iOS 26 Preview: Liquid Glass, Key Features & How to Try the Public Beta
Apple’s iOS 26 arrives this fall with a major visual overhaul called “Liquid Glass,” a translucent home and lock screen aesthetic that will extend across Apple’s OS lineup. The iOS 26 public beta (currently at public beta 4) is available now via the Apple Beta Software Program.
Notable Features
- Liquid Glass design — translucent apps, floating buttons, new home & lock look (dark/light adaptive).
- Improved screenshots — built-in Google and ChatGPT search options in the screenshot editor.
- Live Translation — real-time translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages.
- Hold Assist — hold-your-spot feature for long customer-service waits.
- Visual Intelligence — search what’s on your screen (like reverse image search).
- Photos tabs return — separate Library and Collections views restored.
- FaceTime Communication Safety — optional on-device pause if nudity is detected (child safety focus).
- AirPods — enhanced audio capture, camera remote control and possible live-translation gestures.
- Siri — major AI rework delayed until next year; Apple is reportedly testing third-party LLMs for future Siri upgrades.
Compatibility
Most iPhones from 2019 onward are eligible. Examples include iPhone 11 and later, iPhone SE (2nd gen and later), and the iPhone 16 series. Older XR/XS models are not compatible.
How to Install the Public Beta
- Sign up at the Apple Beta Software Program: https://beta.apple.com/
- On your iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update > iOS 26 public beta.
- Warning: Don’t install beta software on your main device unless you accept the risks of bugs and instability.
Release Window
The final iOS 26 is expected this fall, typically around the iPhone event in September (Apple often releases iOS updates within a week of the iPhone announcement).
More Info
- Apple Beta Software Program: https://beta.apple.com/
- WWDC resources: https://developer.apple.com/wwdc/
Note: This summary excludes links to third-party reviews. For the latest beta-specific notes, check Apple’s beta page before installing.