TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple has released the third developer beta of iOS 26, along with iPadOS 26, bringing a range of new features and enhancements to the operating systems. The new beta updates the build number to 23A5287g, up from the previous 23A5276f. iOS 26 introduced Apple's "Liquid Glass" design language, which is used across all of the company's platforms. The software features dynamic user interface elements that mimic the look of real-world glass, replacing the flat aesthetic used from iOS 7 through iOS 18. The update also includes a dedicated Games app, improvements to Image Playground, Shortcuts, and new features for the Messages and Phone apps. One of the notable changes in the third developer beta is the addition of new color options for the default wallpaper. iOS 26 introduced a distinct default wallpaper with turquoise and lapis-colored circles that react to device movement. The third developer beta adds three new color options, bringing the total to four: * Dusk * Halo * Shadow * Sky The new Dusk color option is particularly notable, as it uses pink and purple for the Liquid Glass elements, rather than varying shades of blue. The third developer beta also makes further tweaks to the Liquid Glass material, introducing a more frosted look to many aspects of the operating system, such as the Control Center and the Tab Bar in certain apps. This builds upon the design choices introduced with the second developer beta. Additionally, the third developer beta fixes an issue with the Home Screen, centering icons in the Dock even when there are fewer than four of them. The Photos and Files app icons have also received slight alterations. For iPadOS 26, the third developer beta introduces a new feature that makes the mouse cursor easier to locate. Shaking the cursor rapidly now makes it increase, as has been the case on macOS for years. Overall, the third developer beta of iOS 26 is relatively light in terms of meaningful enhancements, but it does deliver new wallpaper color options and a couple of user interface tweaks. With Apple releasing new developer betas of iOS nearly every week or two, it's likely that we'll see additional features and changes with subsequent software releases.