Apple has released the second developer beta of iOS 26 on June 23, 2025, exactly two weeks after the debut of Beta 1.
This update introduces a wide range of enhancements across the system, including UI refinements, new features, and significant performance boosts.
A public beta is expected to arrive in early to mid-July, with the final release likely scheduled for September.
Release Information
iOS 26 Beta 2 is now available to members of the Apple Developer Program.
The update carries build number 23A5276F and weighs approximately 3.84 GB on devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
In addition to iOS, Apple also released Beta 2 updates for iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS, HomePod OS, and visionOS.
This version includes a modem firmware update for the iPhone 16 series, upgrading from version 2.02.01 to 2.03.00, which may improve cellular connectivity.
Devices that were supported in iOS 26 Beta 1 remain compatible—excluding older models like the iPhone XR and XS series.
Key Updates
Visual & UI Enhancements
Control Center & Notifications
Improved contrast and blur effects make elements more legible and visually distinct.
The frosted glass effect is more prominent, addressing complaints from Beta 1.
(Source: Apple Hub)
Liquid Glass Interface
Enhanced contrast and animation responsiveness across the system.
Wallpaper Parallax
The default iOS 26 wallpaper now includes a parallax motion effect, restoring a feature missing in Beta 1.
Dock Alignment
App icons in the Dock now align to the left when fewer than four apps are present—possibly a bug or design shift.
Safari Redesign
Major usability enhancements include repositioned tab controls (e.g., "+" button moved to bottom left), improved tab management, and new glyph icons for better navigation.
Camera Labels
Flash and Night Mode toggles now display labels (e.g., "Flash Auto"), improving clarity.
Messages App
UI now dynamically hides unused media categories in group chats and improves animation smoothness.
Recovery Assistant
One of the most important additions is the new Recovery Assistant, a tool that allows users to restore their iPhones without needing a Mac or PC.
If a device fails to boot properly, it can now attempt self-recovery directly on-device—an especially useful feature following issues with bricked devices in Beta 1.
New Ringtone
A new "Reflection Alt 1 (beta title)" ringtone has been added under the Reflection category in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.
Live Radio Widget
A new widget for Apple Music enables quick access to live radio stations, including support for CarPlay.
Wallet Order Tracking
The Wallet app now supports full order tracking, using Siri to extract purchase details from Mail—even for non-Apple Pay orders. A new permission prompt allows users to control this feature.
Notes Toolbar
In Notes, formatting options have been reordered to prioritize commonly used tools like bolding and linking.
ChatGPT Integration
Under Apple Intelligence settings, users can now view detailed usage statistics for ChatGPT, including separate limits for image requests and other queries.
Labels have been updated for clarity, and Siri's integration with ChatGPT is more transparent.
App Store Accessibility Nutrition Labels
Apple has added a new Accessibility section on App Store product pages.
These "Accessibility Nutrition Labels" help users understand which accessibility features an app supports before downloading—such as VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, and more—empowering better-informed decisions for users with disabilities.
More Accessibility Improvements
Apple continues to enhance accessibility with this release:
- High Contrast Mode: Adds borders around Liquid Glass elements for better visibility.
- Reduce Transparency Option: Offers further customization for visually impaired users.
- CarPlay Large Text Support: Added under Display & Text Size settings.
Performance and Bug Fixes
System Stability
iOS 26 Beta 2 brings major stability improvements over Beta 1.
UI stutters have been reduced significantly, especially in apps like Settings, Messages, and Safari.
Animations are smoother, and overall navigation feels more responsive.
The update also resolves several bugs from Beta 1:
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Fixed overlapping widgets on the lock screen when Focus mode is active
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Resolved animation glitches in Safari's tab view
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Improved message thread filtering in group chats
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Corrected layout issues with animated album artwork on the lock screen
Battery and Thermal Performance
Battery life appears slightly improved due to optimized background processes and resource management.
The updated Low Power Mode description now clearly explains its impact—such as reduced refresh rate, brightness, and background activity.
Devices no longer overheat as they did with Beta 1. While still warm during heavy use or installation, thermal behavior is noticeably better.
Editor's Comments
iOS 26 Beta 2 marks a significant step forward from the initial beta, offering a more stable experience with improved polish across both visuals and performance.
Compared to iOS 18.3—which focused on HomeKit integration and Siri enhancements—this update reflects Apple's broader ambitions: rethinking the user interface while deepening AI integration through Apple Intelligence.
The introduction of Recovery Assistant could prove transformative for regular users and IT departments alike, reducing reliance on external tools during system failures.
With public beta testing expected in early July and Beta 3 likely arriving around July 7, Apple appears on track for a full release this September alongside its next-generation iPhones.
As development continues through the summer, iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of Apple's most comprehensive mobile OS updates in recent years.
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