Apple has rolled out the sixth round of developer betas for its upcoming operating systems, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. The release comes just a week after the previous beta on August 5, keeping the company on track for a full public debut later this fall. Alongside these updates, Apple has also issued second release candidate versions of macOS 15.7 and macOS 14.8, plus a new beta for HomePod Software 256.
One of the most noticeable changes across the 26-series software updates is the introduction of Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” design language. This interface brings a translucent, layered look throughout the system, creating a clean and modern feel that ties together native apps and menus with a cohesive aesthetic.
iOS 26 continues to refine the user experience with several meaningful improvements. The update includes a new battery management feature designed to extend long-term performance, a redesigned Camera app, and expanded ChatGPT integration for enhanced Siri and on-device intelligence. AirPods users will also see better connectivity options and personalized audio settings.
On the productivity side, iPadOS 26 emphasizes multitasking and organization. The Files and Preview apps receive notable updates, while improved window management tools make it easier to switch between apps during work sessions. macOS 26 Tahoe, meanwhile, introduces a dedicated Phone app for seamless cross-device communication, an expanded Clipboard History for improved workflow, and a refreshed Spotlight search experience.
Earlier betas revealed smaller refinements such as dynamic animations, updated app icons, and new splash screens for Apple’s core applications. These ongoing tweaks suggest Apple’s focus on delivering both visual polish and functional depth across platforms.
Developers testing these betas are advised to install them only on secondary devices, as pre-release software can still contain bugs or performance issues. Apple continues to stress the importance of backing up data before upgrading to ensure a smooth testing process.
With these latest beta builds, Apple is inching closer to finalizing its next generation of operating systems. The combination of design innovation, productivity enhancements, and performance improvements signals a strong update cycle ahead of the official launch later this year.