Apple has released iOS 26 Beta 3 and iPadOS 26 Beta 3, arriving just two weeks after the previous beta and roughly a month after the initial unveiling at WWDC in early June. Developers and public testers are already exploring the latest build to see how Apple is refining its next major software update ahead of the final release this autumn.
Here are the key changes and new features spotted so far in iOS 26 Beta 3:
- Liquid Glass effect toned down further: The prominent liquid glass UI effect introduced earlier in iOS 26 has been further refined, reducing its intensity for a subtler visual impact.
- Stock wallpaper variants: The default wallpaper now offers four variant options, giving users greater personalisation choices while maintaining Apple’s signature aesthetic.
- Persistent Lock Screen widgets: Widgets on the Lock Screen now remain visible at all times, even when the device is idle, improving glanceability and quick access to essential information.
- StandBy mode behaviour improved: Exiting StandBy mode no longer resets the clock size, addressing a minor but persistent usability annoyance reported in previous betas.
- SIM card Lock Screen change: The SIM card lock prompt now covers the entire display for a more consistent and secure user experience when entering SIM PINs.
- Safari stability fix: Opening links in the background no longer causes Safari to freeze, resolving a frustrating bug for users who rely on multitasking within the browser.
- Passcode screen darkens wallpaper: When entering your passcode from the Lock Screen, the wallpaper now darkens behind the numeric keypad for better focus and readability.
- Frosted Safari address bar: The address bar in Safari now features a frosted background effect, enhancing text visibility against varied page backgrounds.
- High contrast mode improvements: Accessibility has been expanded, with high contrast mode now applying to a broader range of UI elements, improving visibility for users with low vision.
Apple is expected to continue refining iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 over the coming weeks, with Beta 4 likely to arrive later in July. The final public release is anticipated in September alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.
If you have discovered additional changes in Beta 3 that are not listed here, feel free to share them in the comments below or reach out to our editorial team for inclusion in upcoming updates.
