Preview: Experience iOS 26 early access for all
The tech world is abuzz with the release of the highly anticipated public beta for iOS 26, marking a significant visual overhaul with the introduction of the "Liquid Glass" design. This innovative aesthetic brings a more transparent, glass-like aesthetic to various UI elements, offering a modern, sleek feel that's been missing since iOS 7.
Key Features and Improvements
The public beta of iOS 26 introduces a host of new features and improvements, including:
- Liquid Glass UI: A translucent, layered interface that modernises the look and feel of your device, with updated app icons and dynamic effects like a 3D photo effect on the Lock Screen and a dynamic clock.
- Phone app redesign: Scroll through contacts, recent calls, and voicemails on a single screen, with the added convenience of holding your place on calls when waiting for customer support representatives.
- Improved AI features: Benefit from real-time conversation translation, AI-powered shortcuts, poll suggestions in Messages, and enhanced Visual Intelligence for image-based searches during browsing.
- Spam text filtering: A new feature in Messages to better filter out spam or unknown sender texts.
- Settings improvements: The Battery section has been redesigned for easier access and clearer information.
Other Notable Changes
- The dock on the home screen is now transparent, and the camera app's icon has been updated to resemble a lens.
- Folders on the home screen distort background objects if they are over them, creating a unique visual effect.
- The software offers a first glimpse into the Liquid Glass design, affecting the lock screen, message scrolling, and dynamic wallpapers.
- In the camera app, black areas are now transparent and adapt to the environment, providing a more immersive experience.
- The Safari browser offers a compact layout option that houses bookmark and tab functions, as well as share in a three-dot menu.
Installation and Considerations
The beta version of iOS 26 can be installed like any other firmware update, but it's recommended to create an iCloud backup or a backup on a computer before proceeding. It's also advisable to avoid installing the beta on a device that needs to work flawlessly.
To participate in the beta, you'll need to register your device for the Apple Beta Program. The first public beta of iOS 26 is now available for compatible iPhones.
While Siri remains mostly unchanged in this beta, with a major AI-driven overhaul delayed to later in 2025 or beyond, the focus of iOS 26 is on quality-of-life improvements rather than groundbreaking new features. This approach aims to make everyday tasks smoother without compromising reliability during this beta phase.
In summary, iOS 26 public beta differs from previous versions primarily through the extensive Liquid Glass visual redesign and AI-enhanced utilities that improve usability, communication, and interface aesthetics. Dive into the future of iOS with the public beta of iOS 26 and experience a more transparent, sleek, and intelligent interface.
- The Commission has also been involved in the discussion of the potential impact of the Liquid Glass technology, found in iOS 26, on various gadgets, including smartphones, given its innovative approach to display and user interface.
- With the introduction of the 3D photo effect on the Lock Screen, a feature of the Liquid Glass UI in the public beta for iOS 26, tech enthusiasts and reviewers will undoubtedly scrutinize its potential applications in future smartphone technology.
