Apple has rolled out iOS 26.2 Beta 2, introducing subtle yet impactful performance and stability improvements, as well as new hidden features. Developers can access the new beta today, and public beta testers are expected to receive it later this week. Here’s what’s changed and how to get early access.
Apple has several small but useful updates across multiple apps and features with the second beta of iOS 26.2 for developers. While this update does not introduce major system changes, it focuses on enhancing daily experiences and improving the design.
Measure App: The Measure app gets a new Liquid Glass design.
Games App: New library filtering, improved controller navigation, and challenge scores that update in real time.
Updated Sleep Score Ranges: Apple has adjusted its Sleep Score ranges for better descriptions.
Lock Screen Liquid Glass Slider: The old “clear or tinted” toggle is replaced by a glassy and transparent outlook.
Apple News Design: The design of Apple News has been changed, with four quick-select categories at the top. These appear to be based on your previous activity.
Podcasts Improvements: The Podcasts app now features auto-generated chapters, along with the ability to more easily follow mentioned podcasts or follow up on links mentioned in a podcast episode.
Set Alarms and Timers for Reminders: If you set a reminder as ‘urgent,’ you will be prompted to create an alarm or timer for it.
If you want to test the iOS 26 beta releases but are not a registered developer, follow these steps:
Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
Log in to the Beta Software Program.
Click Enroll your iOS device.
Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.
It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.
Users need to be registered as an Apple developer, but a free developer account can also provide the benefits. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:
Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
Open the app.
Tap on Account.
Sign in using your usual Apple ID.
Also Read: iOS 26 Apple Notes Update: What's New and How to Use?
Apple’s iOS 26.2 Beta 2 continues the company’s steady push toward refining the iPhone experience, focusing on smoother performance, bug fixes, and user convenience. This upgrade indicates a more stable and feature-rich iOS ecosystem in the near future.
Compared to the recently released Android 16, which focuses on AI-powered customization and multitasking, iOS 26.2 takes a more refined, security-first approach. This strategy shows the brand’s confidence in protection and safety rather than reinvention.