The iOS 26 public beta has been out for a while, and they are already on public beta 5, close to the final version for the traditional September release. I installed the public beta on my Mac a while ago, and I wasn’t particularly impressed. However, since we’re nearing the end of August and the betas are as stable as they can be, I decided to update my iPhone and Apple Watch. So far, I have been impressed and the software is near enough ready for its official roll-out by the looks of things.
While liquid glass looks great on my phone (the new user interface with glass-like translucent menus), it’s not as noticeable on the Mac. The Apple Watch widgets look good, as I scroll through the interface. I’m sure there are many changes, but the bullet points that follow summarise my observations so far.
1. Liquid Glass – I like the translucent Liquid Glass look. The new design and menus have more rounded corners, which are not groundbreaking, but this change is more noticeable on the iPhone. Icons also have a slightly new visual look. The translucent look of menus for notifications and control screens is particularly impressive.
2. New functions have been added to enhance and update your lock screen. These include larger clock and time options, as well as enhanced options for the home and app pages.
3. There are new battery options available that use AI to better manage battery life. You’ll need to enable them, and I’m monitoring this closely to see if they prove useful.
4. Some new functions need to be switched on via the settings or other supporting menus. For example, in messages, you can now switch on new backgrounds for each contact. iMessage also includes live translation if enabled, as well as polls. Phone options that were enabled include hold options for call centre queues, and call options for dealing with unrecognised numbers offer several options for handling them. I’ve set the phone to get call details, so it can then decide whether to take the call after review.
5. The camera has been simplified, retaining all options while some are tucked away for access when required. This streamlined UI only displays essential features.
6. Mail and Safari have minor visual changes, lacking major updates. Similar to the photo app with fewer top level buttons that then open up more options when pressed. The one change I do not like is the bookmarks button is buried rather than being able to press it as a top level button.
7. Apple Music has a new AI mix functionality that works like a dj mixing tracks to the next, ensuring seamless playback. It’s one of my favourite new features, effectively replacing the old fade-out and fade-in of tracks. Really impressive and sounds great with tracks mixed and sometimes slowed or increased in pace to help with mixing.
8. To support your workouts, you can enable a new workout buddy to motivate you. This feature is actually quite useful and beneficial, as it keeps you informed of the time elapsed, heart rate, and other relevant information. Live activities on the Watch are supposedly enhanced by Apple Intelligence also.
9. A new games app has been added. I plan to get an Apple One subscription again, and this app will be useful.
10. Journal – is now on Mac, which was previously iPhone only. Spotlight – a Mac-specific search option is greatly enhanced for searching.
Lastly, for more information about the changes, read up here. The main requirement is that users need an iPhone 15 or 16 to support most new features. Otherwise, functionality is more limited on older phones. Alternatively, for a Mac, Apple Silicon is required.
https://www.apple.com/uk/os/macos/
Have you upgraded and if so, how have you found the public beta?
