iOS 26 Beta 2—Updates
iOS 26 Beta 2—Updates
Introduction
iOS 26 Beta 2—Updates To provide developers and early adopters with a more thorough look at the future of iPhone software, Apple has formally published iOS 26 Beta 2. Apple fixes issues, optimizes speed, and makes minor (and occasionally unexpected) adjustments with each new beta. With improved functionality, a more polished look, and more seamless overall experiences, iOS 26 Beta 2 builds on the momentum of the first beta.
This article will explain all you need to know about iOS 26 Beta 2 if you’re wondering what’s new, what’s better, and if it’s worth upgrading.
iOS 26 Beta 2 Release Date
Apple rolled out iOS 26 Beta 2 on June 24, 2025, roughly two weeks after the initial iOS 26 Developer Beta was introduced during WWDC 2025. The release follows Apple’s usual cadence of biweekly updates during the developer beta phase.
This beta is currently available to registered developers via the Apple Developer Program. The public beta version is expected to arrive in early July 2025, with the final public release coming in September alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.
What's New in Beta 2 of iOS 26?
Although developers and users have already found a number of improvements, bug fixes, and fascinating new features in iOS 26 Beta 2, Apple rarely announces every change in a beta version. Here is a closer look:
1. Better Widgets for the Control Center
Apple has improved the Control Center, which was made more customizable in iOS 26, in Beta 2. Now, widgets may be resized and categorized into groups like Media, Home, and Health. When moving or removing widgets, haptic feedback has been provided to provide a more physical experience.
2. AI-Powered Siri (Smarter and Offline)
With on-device AI improvements, Siri in iOS 26 Beta 2 keeps improving. Even without an internet connection, Siri can now perform more offline functions like creating intricate reminders, translating messages, and summarizing lengthy emails or texts. Apple has greatly decreased response lag, and performance has improved.
3. Safari Highlights and AI Summaries
On-device intelligence is now used by Safari to highlight important details in articles and display AI-generated summaries at the top of the screen. These capabilities, which are integrated into Safari for privacy-first browsing, are comparable to those seen in contemporary AI browsers.
4. App Lock for Native Apps
App Lock for native apps like Notes, Messages, and Photos is a long-awaited functionality that is finally available in Beta 2. Without using third-party apps, you may now use Face ID or Touch ID to safeguard particular apps. The privacy and security settings provide access to this feature.
5. Live Wallpapers 2.0
In Beta 2, Live Wallpapers receive a significant update. Apple has included dynamic backgrounds that change according to the time of day and the weather. A sunset wallpaper, for instance, gently changes as the sun sets where you are. Additionally, these wallpapers use less electricity because they are designed for ProMotion screens.
6. Revamped Notification Center
To make the Notification Center easier to read, it has been reorganized. With AI classification for work, social, shopping, and personal, group notifications are now more dynamic. Additionally, you may now silence particular categories with a single swipe.
7. iMessage Gets Smart Replies and Scheduling
iMessage’s Smart Reply Suggestions, which provide prompt responses based on context, are introduced in beta 2. More significantly, Apple has included Message Scheduling at last, which enables users to send messages at a predetermined time.
8. Battery Health for All iPhones
iOS 26 Beta 2 makes Battery Health & Usage Insights available on all supported iPhone models, which were previously only available on Pro models. Usage trends, anticipated battery life, and AI-based optimization recommendations are now displayed in the new Battery tab in Settings.
9. Focus Mode: Pro Tools
Now more than ever, Focus Mode can be customized. Custom lock screen images for each focus, app-by-app notification control, and planned focus shifts based on location or calendar events are all features of beta 2.
10. Performance Improvements and Bug Fixes
Numerous early issues from iOS 26 Beta 1 are fixed in Beta 2, including:
When utilizing FaceTime with SharePlay, crashes occur.
Problems with the iPhone 15 Pro overheating
When Face ID fails, the lock screen freezes.
When in idle mode, the battery drains.
Overall, the system is much smoother throughout the user interface, and animations feel snappier.
Should You Install iOS 16 Beta 2?
Is iOS 26 Beta 2 Worth Installing?
iOS 26 Beta 2 is a far more reliable build than Beta 1 if you’re a developer or enjoy getting first access to new features. Performance has improved significantly, and most of the important flaws have been fixed. Installing it on your primary device is not advised, though, unless you’re willing to put up with sporadic bugs or battery problems, as is the case with all beta versions.
For even better stability, public beta testers may choose to wait until Public Beta 1, which is anticipated in early July.
Device Compatibility
All devices running iOS 25 are compatible with iOS 26, which implies
Coming in September 2025 is the iPhone 17 series.
The iPhone 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and 16
Series of iPhone 15 and 15 Pro
Series of iPhones 14, 13, 12, and 11
Second and third generation iPhone SE
The iPhone X and 8 and other older models are not supported.
iOS 26 Beta 2's Regional Features
Additionally, Apple incorporates region-specific improvements:
Maps showing the current train status (India, UK, Japan)
Expansion of Digital ID Support (additional US states plus EU pilot)
Language packs for Siri that include African French, Arabic dialects, and Hinglish
iOS 26 feels more user-centric and internationally connected thanks to these changes.
Performance Benchmarks
In initial tests, iOS 26 Beta 2 performs very well:
| Metric | iOS 25.5 | iOS 26 Beta 2 |
|---|---|---|
Boot Time: |
18.2 sec, |
16.4 sec |
App Launch Time (Safari) |
1.9 sec |
1.4 sec |
Geekbench Score |
2589 |
2622 |
Battery Drain (Standby 12h): |
-6%, |
-4% |
Because of system optimizations and improved background job management, iOS 26 Beta 2 is obviously more efficient.
Conclusion
iOS 26 Beta 2 takes a great base and expands upon it with sharper AI features, cleaner UI elements, and increased stability. With a more intelligent Siri, better Control Center customization, and powerful privacy choices, Apple is enhancing the iPhone experience in meaningful ways.
It provides a more comprehensive toolkit for developers to create next-generation applications. It offers consumers a more intelligent, safe, and customized iOS—one that is designed for life, not just performance.
iOS 26 seems to be one of the biggest updates in years, whether you’re testing it now or are waiting for the official release.
People also ask
The second beta of iOS 26 was issued by Apple. Redesigning a phone app: At last, you will be able to view voicemails, contacts, and recent calls on a single screen. Additionally, it has a brand-new feature called Hold Assist that will alert you when an agent answers the phone so you may disregard the elevator music and carry on with your other responsibilities.
Features include a more personalized reading experience, additional Vehicle Motion Cue choices to assist in preventing motion sickness, and a completely new experience created with Braille 13 users in mind.
“iOS 26 Developer Beta” may be downloaded and installed by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates on your iPhone, choosing it, and then tapping “Download and Install.” You must have a developer profile or be registered in the Apple Developer Program to complete this process.
Yes, a beta version won’t cause your gadget to malfunction. Consider it similar to installing a device update. Installing an Apple operating system—not a custom one—is all that is involved.
According to Apple Support, iOS 18.5 is the most recent stable version of the operating system. On September 16, 2024, it was made public. Additionally, Apple has announced a new version, iOS 26, which has not yet been made available.