Apple released iOS 26 Beta 8 on August 25, 2025, alongside updates for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, HomePod, and visionOS, signaling the final stretch before the Release Candidate (RC) and public release.
This developer-focused beta polishes the Liquid Glass interface, enhances wireless charging, and addresses bugs, preparing for the iPhone 17 event and iOS 26's public debut on September 15, 2025.
Release Information
iOS 26 Beta 8, build 23A5330a, became available to registered developers on August 25, 2025, with the public beta expected soon after.
Installation is possible via the Settings app or a Mac with Xcode beta.
Update sizes vary significantly, ranging from 1.44 GB to 11 GB depending on the device, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro Max, though much of the data overwrites existing files.
The update supports iPhone 11 series and newer, with features like Adaptive Power Mode limited to iPhone 15 Pro and later.
Notably, support for older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max has been discontinued. The modem firmware remains unchanged from Beta 7 at version 2.04.06, indicating no major connectivity updates.
Key Updates
Liquid Glass Interface Refinements
The Liquid Glass design, a centerpiece of iOS 26, sees subtle enhancements in Beta 8.
Increased transparency and adjusted glow effects appear in the Control Center, dock, and keyboard background, with slight padding increases in the dock and Safari address bar.
These tweaks improve legibility, particularly in light mode, though some users note the changes feel iterative compared to earlier expectations.
Wireless Charging Upgrade
iOS 26 Beta 8 introduces support for 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging on iPhone 16 models, matching wired charging speeds of approximately 50% in 30 minutes when using compatible MagSafe chargers.
This aligns with recent Belkin charger releases, enhancing charging efficiency.
Messages Enhancements
A fix ensures background changes in one-to-one conversations persist after app restarts. Features like message drafts, "Send Later," and unread message filters, introduced in prior betas, continue to be refined for better usability.
Siri and Apple Intelligence
Siri's context-aware responses and Apple Intelligence features, such as notification summaries, receive incremental improvements.
On-device AI processing enhances privacy and reliability, aligning with Apple's ecosystem-wide AI push.
Screen Recording and Files App
Screen recording stability improves, addressing frame rate drops and glitches.
The Files app sees optimizations for smoother navigation and file management, enhancing user experience.
Performance
Performance in Beta 8 builds on Beta 7's gains, with faster app launch times and smoother animations, particularly for app opening and closing, compared to Beta 5.
Geekbench scores reflect slight improvements, ranging from 3381–3504 (single-core) and 8147–8695 (multi-core).
Battery life shows marginal gains, with reports of 87% remaining after moderate use, though stabilization may take days.
Device thermals are normalizing, with enhanced cooling mechanisms reducing heat during prolonged use.
Bug Fixes
Bug fixes include resolving a Settings app issue where the charging icon linked to a broken page, now directing to the correct support document.
Messages background persistence, screenshot brightness in Photos, and Control Center visibility are also fixed.
However, issues persist, including Liquid Glass "pop-in" on the home screen, Safari lag, a missing Wallet app glyph in Privacy settings, and CarPlay disconnections.
iPadOS 26 Beta 8 reports low-quality welcome screen rendering, and the Music app struggles with song queue management.
Editor's Comments
iOS 26 Beta 8 is a polishing act, refining the Liquid Glass interface and boosting stability as Apple gears up for the RC around September 8–9, 2025, post-iPhone 17 event, with the public release on September 15.
This update sets a foundation for a more cohesive iOS ecosystem, with wireless charging advancements and AI refinements signaling Apple's push toward seamless, efficient user experiences.
The tech industry may see increased competition in AI and charging standards, as Apple's Qi2.2 support could pressure rivals to adopt similar technologies.
Expect iOS 26.1 Beta 1 by mid-September, likely introducing minor tweaks and setting the stage for future AI enhancements.
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