The anticipation for iOS 26 has been escalating since WWDC 2025. The highlight feature, Liquid Glass, constitutes a significant visual redesign, but Apple has incorporated a multitude of enhancements, which have been gradually rolled out in the beta release, now accessible for users to test.

The first beta was made available on the same day iOS 26 was unveiled, and Apple has now officially released beta 2 with a variety of enhancements. As is typical with most beta releases, the emphasis is on stability and bug corrections, although there are also modifications and additions that might not be immediately evident.

Here’s a summary of all that is included in the iOS 26 beta 2 release. If you are enrolled in the beta program, you can update your device to the latest beta right now.

**Liquid Glass Modifications**

Apple’s primary emphasis in iOS 26 beta 2 was fixing Liquid Glass concerns, specifically with the Control Center. In the initial beta, transparency resulted in buttons and sliders merging with the backdrop, making them difficult to perceive. Beta 2 addresses this with an enhanced blur effect.

This also applies to notifications, which were hard to read due to the glassy look. The adjustments are subtle and may require further fine-tuning, especially against lighter backgrounds, but they are clearer than they were prior.

Additional minor UI alterations include:

– **Dock**: Apps are now aligned to the left rather than centered when there are fewer than four apps present.
– **Parallax Effect**: Announced at WWDC 2025 but missing in beta 1, this feature is now included in beta 2, producing a 3D effect for wallpapers, notifications, and app icons.
– **High Contrast Mode**: Introduces borders to Liquid Glass components for improved visibility.

**New Ringtone and Notification Badge**

Apple has unveiled a new ringtone named Alt 1, a variation of the Reflection ringtone, found in the ringtone options. The standard version remains unchanged. Additionally, a new blue notification badge appears for alerts from unknown senders, while typical notifications continue using red badges.

**Numerous App Adjustments**

For iOS 26 beta 2, Apple implemented several minor tweaks to essential apps:

– **Safari**: The new tab button is relocated to the bottom left corner, and the More Menu has been restructured.
– **App Store**: A new Accessibility page is now available on product pages for developers to showcase compatible accessibility features.
– **Wallet**: The order tracking function announced at WWDC 2025 has now been added to the Wallet app.
– **Apple Music**: A new Live Radio widget is introduced for quick music access.
– **Save Call Transcripts**: The Transcribe Calls feature has been renamed, accompanied by a description informing users that the other participant will be notified of the recording.
– **Siri**: Now displays ChatGPT usage limits and offers a Plus subscription to eliminate those limits.

**Low Power Mode Explanation**

Beta 2 introduces a revised description for Low Power Mode, aimed at conserving battery by minimizing system resource usage. This leads to a considerable battery enhancement but may slow down demanding tasks. The new description reads: “iPhone will temporarily reduce some background activities, processing speed, display refresh rate and brightness, and limit certain features such as 5G, iCloud syncing, mail fetch, and more.”

**Numerous Bug Fixes and Fresh Features for Developers**

Apple released its changelog for iOS 26 beta, addressing significant issues from beta 1, including iPhone 15 and 16 models indicating a low battery symbol and failing to power on. New features have also been added to Apple’s SDKs for developers. The changelog is quite comprehensive.

iOS 26 beta 2 is undeniably a step forward from beta 1, and it’s promising to witness Apple reacting to feedback, particularly regarding the Control Center transparency matter. If you’re currently using beta 1, it is highly advisable to upgrade to beta 2. For those not participating, waiting for the complete release later this year alongside the next iPhone launch is recommended.