Apple is releasing the iOS 26 beta with a new Liquid Glass design and several new features, but only iPhone models from 2019 onward will be compatible, excluding the 2018 models like iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. The update is expected to be officially released in September, alongside new iPhones, with features such as a redesigned phone app, Live Translate, and group message polls.
The article reviews the upcoming watchOS 26 for Apple Watch, highlighting five key features including Wrist Flick gesture, Notes app, Workout Buddy, Liquid Glass aesthetic, and live message translations, with a positive initial impression of the beta version.
Apple's latest beta release of macOS Sequoia 15.2 introduces a new weather widget for the menu bar, allowing users to quickly view local and global weather conditions without needing to open a separate app. This feature, spotted by 9to5Mac, is part of a broader update that includes AI enhancements like Playgrounds and ChatGPT integration. While the widget's inclusion in the final release isn't guaranteed, its development highlights Apple's focus on integrating convenient, user-friendly features into their operating systems.
Apple's visionOS 2.2 Beta introduces Wide and Ultrawide modes for Mac Virtual Display, requiring macOS 15.2 Beta. These new modes allow users to expand their virtual display to a panoramic Ultrawide experience with 8K horizontal resolution, utilizing eye-tracking technology for optimal resolution. The update also routes Mac audio to the Vision Pro headset. Users can access the beta by signing in to the Apple Developer Center and enabling beta updates, though they should be prepared for potential bugs and instability.
Apple has released iOS 17.2 beta 3, which includes new features such as the ability to opt out of automatically adding favorited songs to your Apple Music library, the option to disable inline text predictions, and the integration of Photos with Apple Music for curated songs in Memories. The update also brings back the old live bubbles wallpaper and includes minor changes like a prompt to add a schedule in the Journal app and the ability for Safari to remember preferred browsing history clearing options.
Apple has released macOS Ventura 13.4, which includes new sports-related features and a new system for installing beta software. The update introduces a new system for installing betas that checks whether the account is associated with a developer or user registered in the public beta program. Other changes include a sports feed in the sidebar of Apple News and fixes for issues with Auto Unlock with Apple Watch and Bluetooth connectivity. Users can install the update through the Software Update menu in the System Settings app.
Apple is expanding its new system for distributing beta software to macOS Ventura 13.4 and watchOS 9.5. The system checks whether the user's Apple ID is associated with the Apple Developer Program or the Apple Beta Software Program and shows the beta update available for that program. Regular users will no longer be able to install developer betas, and the new system will become the only way to install beta software in the future. iOS 16.5 beta 2 was also released, focusing on bug fixes and adding new features.