Apple dropped iOS 26 beta 3 on July 7, 2025, giving developers a fresh look at what's coming in the next big iOS release.
This update packs in new features like enhanced Dynamic Island functionality, slick new widgets, and smarter AI tools, all while tackling some of the hiccups from beta 2.
With a public beta expected around July 14, 2025, this release is a promising step forward, though it's not without a few rough edges.
Here's a closer look at what's new:
Release Information
iOS 26 beta 3, with build number 23A5287g, was released on July 7, 2025, for developers.
The update varies in size, ranging from 6.69 GB to 11.7 GB depending on the device, such as the iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 11.
The public beta is anticipated around July 14, with weekly updates expected from August to address feedback.
Compatible with devices running an A13 Bionic chip or newer, this beta excludes older models like the iPhone XS.
Notably, no modem firmware update was included, maintaining the version from beta 2.
Key Updates
New Widgets
New widgets enhance home screen customization.
A Preview app widget allows quick access to files, while a Live Radio widget for the Music app offers instant control over streaming.
These additions provide greater flexibility and functionality for users personalizing their devices.
Apple Intelligence Enhancements
Apple Intelligence sees significant updates, including real-time language translation for AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming AirPods 4th generation, ideal for multilingual conversations.
Genmoji merging and ChatGPT integration in Shortcuts further expand AI-driven creativity and productivity tools.
UI Refinements
The "Liquid Glass" design has been adjusted for better readability, adopting a frosted look in apps like Podcasts and Maps.
New wallpaper options (Sky, Halo, Dusk, Shadow) with 3D effects add visual depth, while tweaks to the dock's corner radius and control center album art refine the interface.
Maps
Maps is getting a brain boost with natural language search.
Now you can type casual queries like "quiet cafes with outdoor seating" and get spot-on results for top-rated spots.
This makes discovering the perfect spot feel more natural and effortless, streamlining location-based tasks.
Reminders
The Reminders app swaps out its confusing "Add List" button for a cleaner, more intuitive design.
It's a small change, but it makes creating and managing lists feel smoother, especially for users who rely on Reminders to stay organized.
Camera
The Camera app gets a user-friendly overhaul with a simplified interface.
Features like lens cleaning hints and reorderable side menus make taking photos and videos more straightforward, letting you focus on capturing the moment without fussing over settings.
Photos
The Photos app icon pops with deeper colors in beta 3.
It's a subtle but noticeable update that aligns with the overall visual refresh, making your home screen look crisper and more inviting.
Safari
Safari's extension menu now includes new icons, promoting easier access to extensions and improving the browsing experience.
This update encourages users to leverage more third-party tools within the browser.
Performance and Bug Fixes
Performance improvements address beta 2's issues, such as stuttering and overheating, with smoother app transitions and reduced choppiness reported.
An adaptive energy-saving mode and Lock Screen charge time displays enhance battery life, though inconsistencies, like battery intelligence failing to show charge duration, persist.
Storage optimization reduces the iOS footprint to 13.72 GB and Apple Intelligence to 6.16 GB on some devices.
Bug fixes resolve dropped frame rates, WatchOS notification syncing, and a Phone app glitch, but issues like intermittent Liquid Glass rendering and screenshot edit menu changes remain.
Ongoing refinements are expected in future betas.
Editor's Comments
In beta 3, Apple is making its UI less "Liquid Glass".
The new design, introduced at WWDC 25, got mixed reactions at first.
But based on the poll in a LinkedIn iOS dev group, about 70% of iOS developers prefer iOS 26 over iOS 18.
From what's out there, Apple's trying to strike a balance between user experience and design philosophy.
Personally, I think Beta 3 still falls a bit short of user expectations—probably needs some polishing in future betas.
For more stability issues, we should wait for the public beta or beta 4, expected around July 21, 2025, for a smoother experience.
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