Apple has rolled out iOS 26 beta 9, an unexpected developer release on September 2, 2025, just one week before the anticipated iPhone 17 event.
This late-stage beta focuses on refining the upcoming iOS 26, addressing bugs, and enhancing performance as the release candidate (RC) looms.
This update signals Apple's push to polish the Liquid Glass design and Apple Intelligence features before the public launch expected around September 15.
Release Information
iOS 26 beta 9, build 23A5336a, was released to developers on September 2, 2025, marking the first time since 2018 that Apple has issued a ninth beta.
The update, sized at approximately 1.07 GB for iPhone 16 Pro Max and up to 10 GB for Apple Intelligence devices, accompanies betas for iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26, HomePod OS 26, and VisionOS 26.
No modem firmware update was included, maintaining version 2.04.06 for iPhone 16 series.
Public beta 6, likely mirroring beta 9, is expected soon, possibly within days.
The release candidate is anticipated post the September 9 iPhone 17 event, with the final iOS 26 release slated for September 15 or 16, aligning with iPhone 17 pre-orders on September 12 and launch on September 19.
Key Updates
Mail App Select Button Restored
A notable fix in beta 9 restores the "Select" button in the Mail app on iPad, enabling bulk actions in folders like Junk and Bin, addressing a regression from earlier betas.
eSIM Error Handling
New code strings related to eSIM functionality were found, including prompts for contacting carriers to set up eSIM and handling unsupported plan details, improving the eSIM transfer experience.
Apple Intelligence Framework Fix
A resolved issue in the Foundation Models framework ensures tool calling functions correctly when using primitive types (e.g., int, string, bool) as arguments, enhancing Apple Intelligence reliability.
Messages Background Fix
One-to-one conversation backgrounds in Messages now display correctly after quitting and reopening the app, fixing an issue from beta 8.
Developer App Update
The Apple Developer app received design updates, including resources for Liquid Glass, Icon Composer, and WWDC 25 UI design kits for Figma and Sketch, preparing developers for iOS 26's final release.
Performance and Bug Fixes
iOS 26 beta 9 emphasizes performance optimization and bug fixes over new features.
Users report smoother Control Center interactions and faster app transitions, with a slight GPU performance boost on devices like the iPhone 14 Pro. Benchmarks show single-core scores of 3309 and multi-core scores of 8297, slightly improved from beta 8.
The dim wallpaper bug with Photo Shuffle on the Lock Screen is resolved, and the volume slider now functions reliably.
However, visual glitches persist, including app redraw issues, icons turning black with tinted or clear themes, and missing Liquid Glass animations on Wi-Fi settings.
A known issue with the Wallet glyph icon in Privacy settings remains unresolved. Battery life shows no significant change from beta 8, with some users reporting subpar performance (e.g., 86% battery with 2 hours 21 minutes of screen time).
System storage is slightly optimized, with iOS 26 beta 9 using 19.81 GB on iPhone 16 Pro Max, including 6.27 GB for Apple Intelligence.
Editor's Comments
Apple's release of iOS 26 beta 9 highlights just how close the platform is to its final form.
While not packed with headline-grabbing features, this update focuses on stability, polishing the new Liquid Glass interface, and ensuring Apple Intelligence runs reliably ahead of the iPhone 17 launch.
The return of small but essential tools like the Mail app's "Select" button, along with refinements in Messages and eSIM support, reflects Apple's attention to everyday usability.
Still, lingering visual glitches remind us that iOS 26 is ambitious in scope, attempting a bold design shift while embedding AI deeper into the core experience.
As the release candidate approaches, developers and users alike are watching to see how seamlessly these innovations will translate into daily use—and whether Apple can balance aesthetic evolution with the rock-solid reliability its ecosystem is known for.
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