Apple has launched a beta version 26.2 Beta 2 for developers to the public. A next major software update for iPhone users will be released along with this beta version. This beta version is more about the writing department’s work than about the core features by way of the fresh design, animations, and usability.
The most dramatic visual change is probably the one of the Measure app, which now uses Apple's new "Liquid Glass" design. With the updated version, the simple white circle level indicator is replaced by two floating, glass-like bubbles that reflect the level in real time. The functional side of the app is the same, but the visual change makes the app look like a modern and premium one, thus, it is consistent with Apple’s latest design language.
Apple has improved general menu animations as well for the whole iOS. The transitions are now smoother and more fluid everywhere in the system. These modifications give a polished impression, thus iOS 26.2 feels like a more responsive and cohesive user experience.
The Games app has been upgraded in several ways too. People can sort games by the amount of storage they take up, see what friends are playing, and also have nice controller navigation. With these enhancements, Apple is further supporting its strategy of seamless gaming integration on iPhone and Apple TV.
The updated CarPlay is quite a minimal change but still important — Now users can mask the pinned conversations in the Messages app when they are driving. This functionality goes along with the distraction limitation, thus a cleaner and safer in-car interface is made available.
In addition, the update comes with the polishing of Enhanced Safety Alerts that, until now, have been providing more easily understandable explanations of how and from where emergency alerts are set up by region and type of connection.
Right now, only registered developers can get access to iOS 26.2 Beta 2, and a public beta will be available soon. The very last version is probably going to be released in December 2025, and Apple will keep focusing on design harmony and user safety.
