Apple releases iOS 26 beta 2

Apple has released iOS 26 beta 2. The update replaces iOS 26 beta 1 which arrived on June 9 (followed by an updated build for iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 on June 13).

The second version of the pre-release iPhone software update is available now for developer beta testers. Apple will expand iOS 26 beta testing in July when it adds the major new version to its public beta channel too.

What’s coming in iOS 26

iOS 26 is the successor to iOS 18. This year, Apple is replacing the version number of each of its operating systems to reflect the year ahead. This unifies iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS behind version 26 (rather than 19, 16, 12, 3, and 19). Good stuff.

Apple is also unifying its six operating systems with a new design language that makes use of a visual element it calls Liquid Glass. From tab bars that look glass-like to an optional transparent icon theme, iOS 26 is defined by new visual effects that show light and color bending and morphing behind system user interface elements like tab bars and chrome.

iOS 26 also includes loads of new features and capabilities as we detail on the site. See an overview from Apple here.

New in beta 2

We’ll break out stories with the most notable changes between iOS 26 beta 1 and beta 2. In the meantime, we’ll collect a running list below of each change as well. Stay tuned as we update our test devices and explore every corner of the new beta. Spot anything we missed? Send us a note at tips@9to5mac.