"The second public beta of iOS 26 has arrived, detailing changes made to the updated software"
Apple has released the second public beta for iOS 26, the latest version of its mobile operating system. The update, which is available for download via the Settings app, brings several new features and refinements to the platform.
One of the most noticeable changes is the more prominent Select button in the Mail app, which now appears in the top right corner. The Home Screen dock also has a wider Liquid Glass bar, and the Control Center now indicates whether a network is secured or not at a glance.
In addition to these changes, iOS 26 public beta 2 introduces a number of new features. For instance, the update includes New Apple Intelligence features such as Visual Intelligence for screenshots, improved order tracking in the Wallet app, smarter Reminders, and Live Translation integrated into Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps.
The update also features the Image Playground with ChatGPT-style creative tools and Genmoji, allowing users to blend multiple emojis into custom creations. There's also a Spatial Scene effect that gives 2D photos a more 3D look, updated Safari navigation, and new Phone app features like Call Screening and Hold Assist to save time.
In Messages, users can now create customizable chat backgrounds and polls. Apple Music gains an AutoMix feature for DJ-like track transitions. The redesigned CarPlay interface, a brand-new Apple Games app, and for the first time, a Preview app come to iPhone.
Specific to public beta 2, there are smaller interface tweaks such as a toggle to reverse the Camera mode swipe direction, the return of the Select button in Mail, and a redesigned AirDrop icon. The update also includes system-wide visual polish following Apple’s Liquid Glass design with enhanced transparency, subtle animations, pop-out menus, rounded UI elements, and shrinking tab bars.
The update seems to be more focused on smaller tweaks and fixes, with less emphasis on pushing out even more flashy features. This reflects Apple's ongoing efforts to make sure everything is running smoothly ahead of the full iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 release, which is expected in September 2025.
Public beta testers can access the update via Settings > General > Software Update after registering for the beta program. The update is similar to iOS 26 developer beta 5, which was released earlier this week. The iPhone 17 launch event is coming up, so we can expect to see more exciting updates from Apple in the near future.
The new Apple Intelligence features, such as Visual Intelligence for screenshots and Live Translation integrated into Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps, are included in the iOS 26 public beta 2, showcasing the integration of technology in various aspects of the platform. The Image Playground with ChatGPT-style creative tools and Genmoji, which allow users to blend multiple emojis into custom creations, also demonstrate the application of advanced technology.
