iOS 26 Beta 7 brings smoother performance, new Blood Oxygen tracking for Apple Watch, and battery improvements making it the most polished beta yet.
iOS 26 Beta 7 has been officially released alongside Public Beta 4, offering enhancements, bug fixes, and a more seamless experience for iPhone users. With build number 23A5326a, Apple indicates that the final stable release is approaching. This update, which includes a revamped Blood Oxygen function, battery enhancements, and Geekbench upgrades, demonstrates Apple’s effort on improving iOS 26 before launch.
What is iOS 26 Beta 7
Apple’s iOS 26 Beta 7 is the latest developer and public beta update, marking one of the final stages before the stable release. The build number 23A5326a confirms this refinement phase, as “A” builds usually precede release candidates. iOS 26 Beta 7 focuses on smoothing out performance, fixing bugs, and adding polish rather than introducing drastic design shifts.
For iPhone enthusiasts, this version offers a more stable preview of the features that will define iOS 26 when it launches publicly in September 2025.
Featured
Key Features and Improvements
- Redesigned Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Apple has revived SpO2 tracking for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 users in the US. Now, data is calculated on the iPhone and displayed in the Health app, resolving the Masimo patent dispute issues.
- Adaptive Power Notifications: A toggle lets iPhone 15 Pro and newer users control whether they get alerts when Adaptive Power activates.
- Messages Drafts Filter: A new “Drafts” filter helps users quickly access unsent messages.
- Preview App Buttons: “New Document” and “Scan Document” options are now more accessible.
- Phone App Grouped Settings: All call-related settings are neatly grouped into one box for clarity.
- Control Center Tweaks: Backgrounds are darker and smoother with subtle design changes.
Why it Matters for Users
These refinements go beyond aesthetics:
- Health features: Restoring Blood Oxygen monitoring is a big win for Apple Watch owners, ensuring health tracking continuity.
- Battery life: iOS 26 Beta 7 demonstrates excellent screen-on time, even on older devices like the iPhone 11, proving Apple’s efficiency push.
- Performance gains: Geekbench results show improved GPU and CPU scores, enhancing gaming and multitasking performance.
- User experience: Small UI tweaks like the “liquid glass” animation and onboarding screens create a more modern, polished feel.
While some testers feel the “liquid design” lacks the dramatic overhaul promised, Beta 7 proves Apple is prioritizing stability and performance for launch.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smoother, faster app animations
- Bug fixes for screenshot issues and WatchOS icons
- Revived Blood Oxygen feature for Apple Watch users
- Improved battery life, even on older iPhones
- Geekbench performance boosts
Cons:
- Design changes feel minor compared to expectations
- Some features (Adaptive Power Notifications) limited to newer iPhones
- Potential bug in simplified App Store settings
- “Liquid glass” effect largely unchanged from Beta 6
Who Should Install It
- Developers & Testers: To experience the latest refinements before the stable release.
- Apple Watch Owners in the US: For the return of Blood Oxygen monitoring.
- Performance Seekers: Users on older devices like the iPhone 11 will notice performance and battery benefits.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those eager to try the latest interface tweaks and explore iOS 26 Beta 7 polish.
If you rely on your iPhone for critical tasks, waiting for the stable September release is safer. Otherwise, Beta 7 offers a smooth, reliable pre-release build.