Apple continues to fine-tune its next major mobile update with the release of iOS 26.1 Beta 3, bringing several subtle yet meaningful improvements to the iPhone experience.
The latest beta focuses on stability, usability, and behind-the-scenes security, while also laying groundwork for broader AI capabilities in future versions.
Though not a dramatic overhaul, Beta 3 adds useful touches like Local Capture and accessibility refinements that make iOS feel more polished and adaptive.
Release Information
Apple has released iOS 26.1 Beta 3 to developers, just one week after Beta 2, signaling a faster weekly rollout cycle before its public release.
The update arrives with build number 23B5064E and a file size of around 12GB for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Parallel builds are also available for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, HomePod, and visionOS.
The rapid succession of updates indicates that Apple is nearing the final stage of iOS 26.1 testing, with the public version expected in early November 2025.
Key Updates
Local Capture for Calls
iOS 26.1 Beta 3 introduces a new Local Capture feature under Settings → General, allowing users to record audio and video from FaceTime or regular calls directly on-device.
Recordings are stored in the Files app and can be accessed or edited later.
A dedicated Control Center toggle and Dynamic Island indicator provide quick access and real-time capture status.
Apple TV App Rebrand
The former Apple TV+ app has been rebranded as Apple TV, complete with a new colorful icon.
This change coincides with Apple's broader entertainment strategy and the promotion of upcoming releases, such as its new Formula 1 film.
The rebrand may also hint at upcoming hardware or UI updates for Apple TV devices.
Background Security Improvements
In Privacy & Security settings, users now have control over Background Security Improvements, which allow automatic installation of minor security patches without requiring a full system update.
Beta 3 adds a manual toggle to remove specific security updates and restart the device, improving user transparency and customization.
Liquid Glass UI Refinements
Apple continues polishing the Liquid Glass design language introduced in iOS 26. Beta 3 enhances dock and folder transparency and smooths reflections across widgets.
While the feature improves visual depth, some testers report occasional rendering issues in light mode.
Accessibility Enhancements
A new accessibility option called "Prefer Single Touch Actions" simplifies interaction by replacing drag gestures with single taps, providing improved usability for users with motor limitations.
Other subtle interface adjustments further optimize responsiveness across system menus.
Updated "Slide to Stop" Feature
The alarm interface introduced in previous builds has been refined.
The new Slide to Stop gesture features a wider, more responsive slider for stopping or snoozing alarms, enhancing convenience for daily users.
Hints of Third-Party AI Integration
Code references uncovered by developers suggest early preparation for third-party AI service integration within Apple Intelligence.
Mentions of compatibility with tools like Google Gemini imply broader support for external AI models in future updates, potentially expanding the platform's smart assistant capabilities.
Performance
Performance in Beta 3 is generally stable across recent devices, particularly the iPhone 17 series.
The update improves responsiveness in the Settings app and reduces animation stutter during multitasking.
Early testers note a smoother frame rate when using the Liquid Glass effects.
However, minor slowdowns persist in App Library searches.
Battery performance remains comparable to Beta 2, though a few users have reported faster battery drain when using FaceTime or recording features.
Bug Fixes
Apple has resolved several issues from previous builds.
The Shortcuts app now correctly launches actions from Control Center, and the wallpaper dimming bug affecting dynamic backgrounds has been partially fixed.
Nonetheless, some graphical inconsistencies persist, such as minor AirDrop icon glitches and unexpected screen sleep when using Calculator or Timer. These issues are expected to be addressed in the next beta cycle.
Editor's Comments
iOS 26.1 Beta 3 feels like a refinement pass focused on real-world usability rather than visual flash.
The addition of Local Capture strengthens iOS's position as a privacy-conscious platform, while accessibility and security tweaks show Apple's attention to practical user feedback.
The stability of this build suggests that iOS 26.1 is nearing completion — with only minor fixes and performance polishing likely before its public release in early November.
If Apple maintains its weekly schedule, Beta 4 could arrive as soon as next week.
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