Apple released iOS 26 Beta 5 (build 23A5308g) on August 5, 2025, to developers, alongside betas for iPadOS, watchOS, macOS Tahoe, tvOS, HomePod, and VisionOS.
This update refines the Liquid Glass design, introduces vibrant animations, and improves system stability, paving the way for a mid-September public release.
Release Information
The iOS 26 Beta 5 update, available via Settings > General > Software Update, requires 10.45-11.31GB on devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
It includes modem firmware version 2.04.02 for enhanced connectivity.
Compatible with A13 Bionic devices and newer, the update follows Beta 4 from July 22, with Public Beta 2 expected by August 7.
Key Updates
Bouncy Animations
A dynamic animation enhances the lock screen before passcode or Face ID entry.
Similar lively effects appear in Control Center and during app icon transitions when locking, making the OS feel more engaging and responsive.
Liquid Glass Refinements
Menus and apps like Photos feature more precise Liquid Glass animations with a less frosted appearance, improving readability and adding a polished look to the interface.
New AirDrop Icon
A refreshed AirDrop icon appears in the share sheet, distinct from previous designs, though it has not yet been implemented in Settings or Control Center, suggesting Apple is testing the change
Camera Toggle
A new "Classic Mode Switching" toggle in Camera settings allows users to revert the swipe direction for shooting modes, addressing feedback from Beta 4 about the new scrolling behavior.
Battery Notifications
A new style for the battery notification at 20% has been implemented, with reports suggesting a visual update, though specific details vary by device.
Mail App Improvement
The Select button returns to the Mail app, enabling easier management of multiple emails for actions like deleting or archiving, streamlining user workflows.
Splash Screens
Apple Music and Notes now feature splash screens on first launch, highlighting existing features like automix, lyrics translation, and markdown support to improve user onboarding.
Control Center Enhancements
The Control Center now displays a lock icon for protected Wi-Fi networks and introduces a new Local Capture icon with an audio-only recording toggle, offering more flexibility for users.
Safari Improvements
The tab view in Safari shrinks after a few seconds for easier access to private tabs, and the reader icon is stacked with the menu in the address bar for a cleaner look.
Calculator Update
A new icon in the Calculator app's top right corner allows quick switching between scientific, math, or conversion modes, enhancing usability.
Weather Notification
A new "Tap for Health Information" popup in the Weather app introduces additional functionality, likely tied to environmental health data.
Performance and Bug Fixes
Performance is noticeably smoother, with faster animations and reduced lag compared to Beta 4.
Bug fixes address Home Screen addition flows, HealthKit data access, and Mail's dark mode visuals.
ProMotion stuttering on Pro devices may be resolved, though message thread backgrounds still cause lag.
System data usage remains high at ~35GB, a concern for 128GB devices. Battery life assessments are ongoing, with no significant changes reported yet.
Editor's Comments
This beta marks significant progress in refining iOS 26's Liquid Glass design language - easily the most noticeable visual shift since the Lock Screen customization of iOS 16.
The combination of reduced interface friction and refined animations demonstrates Apple's maturation of this design approach.
Beyond visual changes, the introduction of toggles like the camera swipe reversal provides welcome customization without interface complexity.
If stability continues improving at this pace, we'll likely see only one or two additional betas before September's public release.
Expect Beta 6 around August 19-23, with GM following by early September.
These design refinements set a new visual direction beyond iOS that may influence third-party app development and potentially impact the Apple Watch UI with watchOS 11.
The reduced friction in animations establishes new expectations for responsiveness that developers will need to meet in their own implementations.
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