Search results for: “beta”

  • Apple releases second beta updates for visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6

    Apple releases second beta updates for visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6

    Apple has rolled out the second beta versions of visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6 to developers for testing. These updates, released two weeks after the first betas, are available to registered developers through the Settings app on compatible devices, requiring an Apple Developer account.

    For visionOS 2.6, no major new features have been spotted yet, but the update likely focuses on fixing bugs and improving performance for the Vision Pro. Similarly, iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, designed for iPhones and iPads, haven’t revealed significant changes.

    These updates seem to prioritize stability and minor tweaks over big additions.macOS Sequoia 15.6, meant for Macs, also appears to be a smaller update. No new features were found in the first beta, and Apple is likely wrapping up work on Sequoia as it shifts focus to macOS Tahoe, expected this fall.

    There’s talk that Apple might bring its AI features, Apple Intelligence, to China, but regulatory issues could delay this beyond macOS 15.6. These betas are early builds, so developers are testing them to ensure apps work smoothly.

    Apple will likely share more details if new features emerge. Public beta versions are expected in July, with final releases set for September. For now, these updates seem to be about polishing the experience rather than introducing flashy changes.

  • New features in iOS 26 beta 2

    New features in iOS 26 beta 2

    Apple’s iOS 26 beta 2 brings exciting updates for iPhone users, making the experience smoother and more user-friendly. The Safari browser gets a fix for a design issue from the first beta, moving the new tab icon to a better spot for easier navigation. This change makes browsing more intuitive and less frustrating.

    The update hints at the iPhone 17 Air, a possible new model with a unique display size, expected to launch this fall. This suggests Apple is preparing for a big reveal alongside the iOS 26 public release in September. The Wallet app now fully supports order tracking, a feature announced at WWDC.

    Siri can scan your emails to track orders from any retailer, not just those using Apple Pay. This makes it easier to keep tabs on your purchases right from your iPhone. A fresh ringtone, “Alt 1” for the Reflection sound, is available in the Settings app under Sounds & Haptics.

    It’s a new take on the classic iPhone ringtone, offering a modern vibe. The Control Center also gets a tweak, with a darker look for better visibility, making controls easier to see in different lighting.
    Other neat additions include a Live Radio widget for Apple Music and an Accessibility section in the App Store, where developers can highlight their app’s accessibility features. These updates show Apple’s focus on improving usability and personalization for all users.

  • macOS Tahoe beta 2 brings back menu bar background and classic finder look

    macOS Tahoe beta 2 brings back menu bar background and classic finder look

    Apple’s macOS Tahoe Beta 2, released on June 23, 2025, introduces simple yet welcome changes based on user feedback. The update adds a new option to restore a solid background to the menu bar, which was transparent in the first beta as part of the Liquid Glass design.

    This see-through style blended the menu bar with the desktop wallpaper, making icons and text hard to read for some users. Now, you can turn on the background in System Settings > Menu Bar > Show Menu Bar Background. When activated, it brings back a frosted look similar to macOS Sequoia, improving visibility without changing the placement of menu items.

    The update also fixes the Finder icon’s colors. In the first beta, Apple flipped the traditional design, placing the darker blue on the right side, which upset many longtime Mac users. Beta 2 restores the classic look, with blue on the left and a lighter gradient on the right, while keeping the modern Liquid Glass style.

    This tweak respects the Finder’s nearly 30-year history. These changes show Apple is listening to its community. The menu bar toggle lets users choose between a sleek, transparent look or a clearer, solid one, depending on their wallpaper. The macOS Tahoe public beta is expected in July, with a full release in fall 2025.

  • iOS 26 beta 2 improves control center look

    iOS 26 beta 2 improves control center look

    Apple has released the second beta of iOS 26 for developers, focusing on fixing issues with the Control Center’s design. The update tackles complaints about the “Liquid Glass” style, which some users found hard to read. Now, the Control Center has a darker blur effect, making icons and text clearer.

    A new “Alt 1” option also appears, though its purpose isn’t fully explained yet. This beta refines the overall look of iOS 26, keeping the transparent, glossy design but making it easier on the eyes. Other small tweaks improve how the interface feels, ensuring buttons and menus are more user-friendly.

    Apple is listening to feedback, aiming to balance style with practicality. The update also hints at new Wi-Fi features like Captive Assist and Wi-Fi Aware, which were spotted in the first beta’s code. These could make connecting to networks smoother, but they’re not active yet. Developers can test the beta on iPhone 15 and 16 models through the Settings app.

    A public beta is expected in July, with the full release set for September alongside new iPhones.
    This beta shows Apple’s effort to polish iOS 26’s bold design while keeping it functional. If you’re testing it, you’ll notice a cleaner, more readable Control Center that still looks modern and sleek.

  • Apple releases second watchOS 26 beta for developers

    Apple releases second watchOS 26 beta for developers

    Apple has rolled out the second developer beta of watchOS 26, along with tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 betas, two weeks after the first betas were shared. These updates, announced at WWDC 2025, bring a fresh look and smarter features to Apple’s devices.

    The watchOS 26 beta introduces a sleek new design called Liquid Glass, giving the Apple Watch a modern, transparent style. It also adds new watch faces and lets third-party apps work with the Control Center for quicker access. Developers can test these changes to make sure their apps run smoothly.

    To try the beta, developers need an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, paired with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26. The update can be downloaded through the Apple Watch app under Settings > General > Software Update, with a developer account linked. The watch must have at least 50% battery and be on a charger during installation.

    While these betas are for developers to test and tweak apps, Apple plans to release public betas in July. The full versions of watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will launch for everyone in September 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple refines these exciting new features.

  • New features in iOS 26 beta: Apple Intelligence outage and a hidden ringtone feature

    New features in iOS 26 beta: Apple Intelligence outage and a hidden ringtone feature

    Apple has started testing iOS 26 with its latest beta release, bringing some interesting updates for iPhone users. One of the main additions is the introduction of “Apple Intelligence,” Apple’s new artificial intelligence features. However, in this beta version, Apple Intelligence is not fully available yet. The menu for these AI tools appears in the settings, but users can’t use the features just yet. Apple is expected to unlock these tools in future updates, possibly later this year.

    Along with the AI preview, the iOS 26 beta also hides a new ringtone called “Journey.” This ringtone isn’t available by default, but some users have discovered it by digging into the system files. “Journey” is expected to be officially released when iOS 26 launches for everyone. Apple often adds new ringtones with major updates, so this is a nice touch for those who like to customize their phone sounds.

    To sum up, iOS 26 beta gives us a sneak peek at Apple’s upcoming AI features and a new ringtone. While these updates aren’t fully ready yet, they show that Apple is working on making iPhones smarter and more personal. If you’re interested in trying these features early, you can join the beta program, but remember that some tools might not work until the final version is out.

  • Apple rolls out iOS 18.6 public beta for everyone

    Apple rolls out iOS 18.6 public beta for everyone

    Apple has released the public beta version of iOS 18.6, allowing iPhone users to try out new features before the official update is released. Anyone with a compatible iPhone can join the beta testing program and download this latest version.

    To get started, users need to sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program. Once they’re in, they can go to their device settings, tap on “General,” then “Software Update,” and choose the iOS 18 Public Beta to install it.

    This new beta update mainly focuses on fixing bugs and making the system more stable, rather than adding big new features. Apple wants to make sure everything runs smoothly before the final version is released to everyone. If you join the beta, keep in mind that this version might have some glitches or issues, since it’s still being tested.

    Apple is expected to keep working on iOS 18.6 and release more beta updates in the coming weeks. The final version should be available for all users later this year. If you like trying out new software early and don’t mind a few bugs, joining the public beta is a good way to see what’s coming next for your iPhone.

  • Apple releases new beta updates for iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch

    Apple releases new beta updates for iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch

    Apple has just released new beta versions for its main devices, giving developers and testers a chance to try out the latest features and fixes before everyone else gets them.

    iOS 18.6 beta for iphone

    Apple rolled out the first beta of iOS 18.6 for iPhone users. This update comes after iOS 18 was recently shown off at WWDC 2025. While iOS 18.6 doesn’t bring big new features, it focuses on making the system more stable and fixing bugs. If you’re a developer or part of Apple’s Beta Software Program, you can download it now and help Apple find any issues before the final version comes out.

    macOS Sequoia 15.6 beta for Mac

    Alongside the iPhone update, Apple also released the first beta of macOS Sequoia 15.6. Like the iOS update, this one mainly aims to improve performance and fix problems, rather than add new features. Testers can get this update through the Mac’s System Settings if they’re signed up for the beta program.

    watchOS 11.6 beta for Apple Watch

    Apple Watch users aren’t left out. The first beta of watchOS 11.6 is now available for developers. This update is also about making things run smoother and fixing bugs. To install it, users need to have the right developer profile and enough battery on their watch.

    Summary

    These new beta updates are mostly about making Apple devices work better and more reliably. If you like testing new software, you can try them out now, but remember: beta versions might have some issues, so it’s best to use them on spare devices if you can.

  • Apple updates iOS 26 beta and adds easier tvOS sign-in

    Apple updates iOS 26 beta and adds easier tvOS sign-in

    Apple has just released a new version of the iOS 26 developer beta. This update comes a few days after the first beta was launched, and it fixes some important issues. The new beta is available for developers to download and test on their iPhones. Apple is working hard to make sure the software is stable and ready for everyone before the official release later this year. If you are a developer, you can get the update by going to your device’s Settings, tapping on General, and then Software Update. Make sure your Apple ID is linked to your developer account to see the beta option.

    Along with iOS 26, Apple is also improving tvOS 26, the software for Apple TV. One of the best new features is automatic sign-in for apps. Now, when you log in to your Apple TV with your Apple ID, you won’t have to type your username and password again for every app. This makes it much easier and faster to start watching your favorite shows and movies. The automatic sign-in works with apps that support this feature, so you might still need to log in manually for some apps.

    Both updates are part of Apple’s plan to make its devices easier and more enjoyable to use. Developers are encouraged to test these changes and share feedback to help Apple fix any problems before the updates are available to everyone.

  • Apple TV gets new Thread 1.4 support in tvOS 26 beta

    Apple TV gets new Thread 1.4 support in tvOS 26 beta

    Apple has started testing tvOS 26, and one of the biggest updates is support for Thread 1.4, a new version of the smart home networking protocol. Thread 1.4 brings better security, easier device setup, and smoother connections between smart home gadgets. This means your Apple TV can now work even better as a hub for smart devices around your house.

    With Thread 1.4, Apple TV can connect to more types of smart home products, like lights, locks, and sensors, and help them talk to each other more reliably. The update also makes it easier to add new devices to your home network, so you can set up your smart home faster and with fewer problems.

    This change is important because Thread is a key part of Matter, the new universal smart home standard. By supporting Thread 1.4, Apple TV will work better with smart devices from many different brands, not just Apple. This should make it simpler for people to mix and match smart home gadgets and control them all from one place.

    The tvOS 26 beta is available now for developers, and the final version should come out later this year. If you use Apple TV as your smart home hub, this update will help your devices work together more smoothly and securely.