Trial by fire for Liquid Glass: Beta of iOS, iPadOS and macOS 26 available
Apple is offering public preview versions of its next systems later than usual. The much-discussed new design is presented to an audience of millions.
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Apple is expanding the tester group for its 26 operating systems. Since Wednesday evening, interested users have been able to install the first public beta of iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 on iPhones, iPads and Macs. The release of the public pre-release versions took place shortly after the fourth developer beta and later than usual. The manufacturer did not give a reason. The updates will be released to the general public in the fall, probably in September.
Apple is still working on Liquid Glass
Access to the public betas can be activated via Apple's website. In addition to iOS, iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Apple is also offering pre-release versions of watchOS, tvOS and HomePod software 26 at –, as well as a new beta firmware for AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 that unlocks upcoming features.
This means that Apple's Liquid Glass design will reach an audience of millions of normal users participating in the public beta program. The manufacturer hopes that this will result in a wider range of bug reports and feedback. The company has already made several changes in the first betas, but there is still a lot of criticism about the poor legibility of controls in developer beta 4. So far, the betas have only been available to participants in Apple's developer program, which is ultimately open to everyone and does not necessarily have to be paid for.
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In addition to Liquid Glass, iOS 26 brings new functions for Apple Intelligence as well as standard apps such as Messages, Phone and Reminders. There are also basic enhancements to the system, such as the option for apps to complete tasks like video export in the background. For the first time, users can also change the audio input source for apps on iPhones and iPads themselves. iPadOS 26 puts Apple on a new footing with a more flexible window system.
Betas bring potential problems
Apple's public betas are usually quite stable, but testers should still be prepared for potential problems. These can range from cosmetic bugs and reduced battery life to app crashes. More serious errors are also possible. Apple therefore advises against installing the beta on devices that are "business-critical". A current backup is also considered mandatory. It should be made before installing the beta so that it can be restored later after a downgrade.
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