Apple's upcoming iOS 26.3 beta introduces features to simplify transferring data from iPhone to Android devices and forwarding notifications to non-Apple smartwatches, enhancing cross-platform compatibility. These features are currently available to developers and beta testers and are expected to be released to the public in early 2026.
tvOS 26.2 introduces two new features for Apple TV 4K users: the ability to create user profiles without requiring an Apple Account, and enhanced content restrictions for child profiles, making it more convenient and parental controls more effective.
The article discusses five new features and changes introduced in the latest iOS 26 beta, highlighting Apple's ongoing updates to enhance user experience and functionality.
The beta version of iOS 26 introduces a new privacy feature for FaceTime that detects nudity and pauses the video, displaying a warning message. This feature, which is off by default and can be enabled in settings, is designed to enhance safety, especially for child accounts, by analyzing content on-device without Apple accessing the media. Its availability and functionality may change as it remains in testing.
In the iOS 26 beta, FaceTime will freeze video and audio if nudity is detected, displaying a warning and offering options to resume or end the call. This feature, initially aimed at child safety, may also apply to adults, raising privacy concerns, though it appears to operate on-device to protect user privacy.
MultiVersus recently launched its full release after a year-long hiatus, but players have noted the absence of several features present in the beta. Game Director Tony Huynh addressed these concerns, stating that many features are being re-implemented and tested, delayed due to the switch to Unreal Engine 5 and new netcode. While some features like team colors and end-of-game stats are returning, others like bot matches and free-for-all queues remain unavailable. Despite some player disappointment, the game has attracted a large player base, and future updates are anticipated.
WhatsApp has introduced a new swipeable navigation bar for Android users, allowing for easier navigation through the app with tabs for Chats, Updates, Communities, and Calls. The update adheres to Material Design guidelines and is now available to all users. Additionally, beta testers have spotted new features such as a Suggested Contacts section in the Chats tab.
Apple released the iOS 17.4 beta 1, introducing new features such as the ability for EU users to download alternative app stores, more in-app payment options, a new regional identifier, over 100 new emoji, stolen device protection options, podcast transcripts, a new home page in the Music app, multi-language messaging with Siri, and a stopwatch display for Live Activities. The beta is available to developers and public beta testers, with the official release expected in March.
Apple released the iOS 17.4 beta 1 to public beta testers, introducing new features such as the ability for people in the EU to download alternative app stores, more in-app payment options, a new regional identifier, over 100 new emoji, stolen device protection options, podcast transcripts, a new Home page in the Music app, and Siri's ability to send messages in multiple languages. The release date for iOS 17.4 is expected to be in March.
OpenAI is introducing new beta features for ChatGPT Plus members, including the ability to upload and analyze files, as well as multimodal support. The update brings some of the office features from ChatGPT Enterprise to the individual chatbot subscription. Users can now work with various file types, such as text and images, allowing the chatbot to perform tasks like data summarization, answering questions, and generating visualizations. The multimodal support enables users to upload images and prompt the chatbot to create new images based on them.
Apple's upcoming iOS 17.1 update, currently in beta testing, includes new features such as addressing iPhone 12 radio frequency concerns, expanded StandBy mode settings, upgrades to Apple Music, the ability to use AirDrop with cellular data, and the return of new ringtones. These features are subject to change before the public release of iOS 17.1.
OpenAI is reportedly planning to introduce a "Beta features" page for ChatGPT Plus users, which will allow them to try experimental new features such as web browsing, plugins, and code interpreter. The new page aims to provide access to more users instead of the selected few who have access to the Alpha version. OpenAI's generative AI technology in the chatbot has become popular, and several plugins by the company and third-party developers have surfaced.