Apple Releases iOS 26 and macOS 26 Public Betas with New Features
Apple released iOS 26 and macOS 26 public betas on July 24, featuring the Liquid Glass interface. User opinions on the redesign are divided, with room for improvement.
Apple iOS 26 public beta arrives
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Overview
- Apple released the first public beta of iOS 26 on July 24, with CNET and TechCrunch reporting standout features now available for user testing.
- The public beta also includes macOS 26, offering users a comprehensive preview of upcoming operating system enhancements and new functionalities across Apple's ecosystem.
- A notable feature, the Liquid Glass interface, is currently in developer beta stages, undergoing significant tweaks as Apple refines its visual design and user experience.
- User opinions on the redesign elements within the new betas, especially the Liquid Glass interface, are divided, showing mixed reception among early testers.
- Apple encourages users to sign up for iOS 26 and macOS 26 public betas. Users should back up important files, as these feature-packed betas still need refinement and may be unstable.
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Analysis
"This is the best iPad has ever been."
Gizmodo"Apple released the first public beta of iOS 26 on July 24, more than a month after the company announced the upcoming software at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June."
CNET"The update represents the most notable visual transformation since iOS 7, featuring a “Liquid Glass” design that offers a more transparent, glass-like feel to user interface elements, like buttons, screens, and in-app navigation and controls, among other things."
TechCrunch"The headlining feature of all the updates this year is Apple’s new Liquid Glass user interface, which is rolling out to all of these operating systems simultaneously."
ARS Technica"While Liquid Glass, Messages improvements and the Games app are a few of the new features in the iOS 26 beta you can try now, I came across a few issues in the beta, which is to be expected."
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FAQ
The Liquid Glass interface is a new translucent design language in iOS 26 and macOS 26 that simulates a glass-like, transparent, and dynamic appearance. It reflects and refracts surroundings, and the controls adapt fluidly, enhancing visual focus across system elements and apps.
Besides the Liquid Glass design, iOS 26 public beta includes an updated Lock Screen with 3D photo effects and dynamic clock, live real-time translation, AI-powered shortcuts, poll suggestions in Messages, and improved Visual Intelligence for image searches.
User opinions on the Liquid Glass redesign are divided, with some early testers appreciating the fresh look and others finding room for improvement, indicating mixed reception among users.
Users are encouraged to back up important files before installing the public betas, as these versions are still in testing, may be unstable, and need further refinement before official release.
Yes, Apple has released updated design resources including Sketch Libraries and app icon templates for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 to help developers and designers adopt the Liquid Glass design in their apps.
History
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