Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 2
Apple has just released iOS 26 beta 2 to developers, and the update brings a mix of refinements, bug fixes, and a handful of new features across the system, here’s a detailed look at what’s changed since beta 1.
Control Center Improvements
The Liquid Glass design introduced in iOS 26 gets a usability boost in beta 2. Apple has increased the blur and darkened the background of Control Center buttons, making them more legible on multicolored wallpapers.
Additionally, when High Contrast Mode is enabled, Liquid Glass elements now include borders, making interface elements stand out more clearly for accessibility.
Accessibility: Reduced Transparency and App Store Enhancements
In Settings > Accessibility, the Reduce Transparency toggle now significantly mutes the Liquid Glass effect, offering a clearer experience for users who prefer or need higher contrast.
In the App Store, Apple has added a new Accessibility section on product pages. Developers will be able to list accessibility features their apps support, giving users more insight when choosing apps.
Safari UI Adjustments
Beta 2 brings UI tweaks to Safari:
- In the tab management view, the new tab “+” button has moved from the upper-left corner to the bottom-left, restoring its iOS 18 position.
- If you're using the Compact tab bar, you’ll now see both Back and Forward navigation buttons.
- Additionally, the Safari More Menu (⋯) has a reorganized layout with new sort order and refreshed icons (though functionality remains unchanged).
Wallet: Order Tracking with Siri
One of the standout features announced at WWDC, Order Tracking in Wallet, is now fully functional in beta 2. A new setting lets Siri scan your Mail app for receipts and order confirmations, even if the purchase wasn’t made using Apple Pay.
New “Alt 1” Ringtone
A hidden ringtone previously found in code, “Alt 1” under Reflection, is now available in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. While the presentation may still be incomplete, the tone can now be selected and used like any other.
Apple Music Radio Widget
A new Live Radio widget for Apple Music is now available, making it easier to access radio content—especially useful for CarPlay users. There's also a Lock Screen widget for launching Apple Music Search directly.
Visual and UI Updates
Wallpaper Collection Restored
The stock iPhone wallpaper collection unique to each model has returned. Previously, beta 1 only displayed saved wallpapers, with deleted defaults unable to be restored.
Parallax Effect Returns
The iOS 26 default wallpaper now includes a parallax motion effect, reintroducing a sense of depth that was absent in beta 1.
Dock Alignment Tweak
A subtle change in the Dock: when fewer than four apps are present, icons are now left-aligned instead of centered. It’s unclear if this is a bug or an intentional design change.
Notification Badge Color Change
For messages from unknown senders, the notification badge color has been changed from red to blue, offering a new visual way to distinguish these alerts.
Low Power Mode Description Updated
Apple has improved the Low Power Mode description in Settings, clarifying exactly which background activities are reduced. This makes it easier for users to understand what’s being limited when the feature is enabled.
Live Captions: Save Call Transcripts
The Live Captions feature now uses the label Save Call Transcripts instead of Transcribe Calls, and it clearly states that participants will be notified with a sound when transcription starts—an important privacy update.
ChatGPT Integration Notes
Interestingly, ChatGPT now also reflects changes in request type handling, distinguishing between Image Limit and Other Requests, possibly hinting at broader system-level integration improvements or developer tools.
Final Thoughts
While iOS 26 beta 2 doesn’t introduce sweeping new features, the release focuses on polish, usability, and accessibility, continuing to refine Apple’s latest OS. With more betas expected in the coming weeks, we can look forward to additional improvements as we move toward the public release later this year.