Apple has officially released the first public betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and tvOS 26, opening access to a wide range of system updates ahead of their expected general availability this fall. The latest betas bring a consistent visual language across devices—anchored by a new “Liquid Glass” interface—along with meaningful AI-powered enhancements and improved user experiences across the ecosystem.
For iPhone and iPad users, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 introduce the Liquid Glass design system, offering more transparency, light refraction, and rounded UI elements throughout the OS. This aesthetic extends to icons, navigation elements, and pop-up menus, bringing a more cohesive and modernized visual experience. The updates also integrate new features under Apple’s growing AI umbrella—labeled Apple Intelligence—including Visual Intelligence tools for screenshots, AI-assisted Live Translation in communication apps, and expanded image generation options through Image Playground and Genmoji.
On the productivity side, iOS 26 also introduces a range of utility-driven additions. Wallet now includes improved order tracking, Reminders gains new list features, and the Messages app supports polls and fully customizable chat backgrounds. A new spatial rendering mode gives flat images more depth, while apps like Safari, Apple Music, and Phone see functional upgrades such as a DJ-style AutoMix feature and smarter call handling tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist.
iPadOS 26 mirrors most of iOS 26’s core upgrades, with additional enhancements expected to support multitasking and Apple Pencil workflows, although Apple has not detailed major iPad-specific improvements yet in this beta cycle.
Meanwhile, macOS Tahoe brings many of the same design principles and AI features to the Mac. Its visual overhaul introduces the Liquid Glass aesthetic to the Dock, Control Center, Menu Bar, and system windows. The Control Center and Menu Bar are now customizable, offering greater flexibility. Spotlight receives a notable upgrade, with improved search functionality and built-in action execution, reducing the need to open full apps for basic tasks.
A new dedicated Phone app arrives on macOS with support for Wi-Fi Calling, including AI features like Call Screening. The inclusion of the Games app, complete with Game Overlay support and Metal 4 integration, signals Apple’s continued push into gaming on the Mac.
tvOS 26 brings more modest but still meaningful updates to Apple TV. The Liquid Glass material adds layered depth to UI elements, enhancing the media experience on OLED displays. The Apple TV app has been redesigned with portrait-style poster art, allowing more titles to be displayed on screen at once, and a refreshed “Continue Watching” queue improves usability.
A highlight for entertainment fans is the expansion of Apple Music Sing. With tvOS 26, users can now pair iPhones to act as wireless karaoke microphones, complete with voice effects and emoji reactions. Song lyrics now include translations and pronunciation aids, reflecting Apple’s focus on inclusive features.
Other updates include easier account switching, a more proactive user login prompt when waking the device, improved AirPlay support with persistent speaker pairing (even without HomePods), and a new suite of India-based Aerial screensavers. FaceTime updates now show contact posters on incoming calls, and support for live captions has expanded to more languages.
All public beta versions are available now for users who opt in through Apple’s official beta program. While these builds offer early access to new features, they are still in development, and users should expect occasional bugs or performance issues during testing.
