Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26 Beta 3 and iPadOS 26 Beta 3 for developers, marking another major step toward the final version expected later in 2025. These updates not only refine system performance but also introduce bold visual changes and key enhancements across Apple’s ecosystem.
Let’s explore the most important changes, features, and things to know before installing the beta.
Release Schedule and Availability
- Release Date: July 7, 2025, at 10:10 AM PDT
- Who Can Access: Only registered Apple developers through the Developer Program
- Public Beta: Expected between July 14 and 15, 2025. Historically, the public beta replicates the third developer beta, barring the discovery of major bugs.
Never install beta versions on your primary device. Please ensure your data is backed up before proceeding.
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When Will iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Launch?
The final public release of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 is likely scheduled for Fall 2025, coinciding with the anticipated iPhone 17 launch event in September.
A New Visual Experience: Liquid Glass Design
One of the most noticeable upgrades in iOS 26 Beta 3 is the new “Liquid Glass” design language. This system-wide UI refresh introduces translucent elements across
- Lock Screen & Home Screen
- Control Center
- System menus and app buttons
The updated design is both modern and visually immersive, providing a fluid experience that blends into the background while highlighting app content.
Key Features in iOS 26 Beta 3
The iPhone experience sees significant improvements with this beta:
Apple Intelligence Upgrades
- Deeper integration with system-wide functions
- Smarter Siri responses and proactive suggestions
Revamped CarPlay
- Enhanced layout with better app control and dashboard info
- Cleaner, more customizable interface
Messages App Improvements
- Custom chat backgrounds for threads
- Poll creation in group chats
- Better attachment management
Other iPhone Enhancements
- Updated Phone app and Shortcuts interface
- New ringtone
- Dynamic Island now supports background file transfers
- HDR support in Markup Tools for animated brightness/contrast tweaks
- Haptic feedback on volume changes
- FaceTime Safety freezes video if inappropriate content is detected
- The wallet app now supports order tracking and Siri-based scanning
- Recovery Assistant allows restoring iPhones without a Mac
iPadOS 26 Beta 3: Multitasking Gets a Major Boost
Apple continues to bridge the gap between iPad and Mac with powerful features in iPadOS 26 Beta 3:
Key Enhancements:
- A brand-new multitasking system supporting multiple resizable windows
- Introduction of new default apps like
- Phone
- Preview
- Games
- Journal
These changes turn the iPad into a much more versatile productivity device.
Other Platform Betas Released
Alongside iOS and iPadOS, Apple also released new developer betas for:
| Platform | Beta Version |
|---|---|
| macOS | Tahoe 26 Beta 3 |
| watchOS | watchOS 26 Beta 3 |
| visionOS | visionOS 26 Beta 3 |
| tvOS | tvOS 26 Beta 3 |
Developers working across Apple’s ecosystem can now test these synchronized builds.
Known Issues in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Beta 3
Although performance has improved over earlier versions, a few bugs and stability concerns remain:
- Overheating during gaming or high-performance tasks
- Battery drain is noticeably faster than on stable releases
- Occasional freezes in the App Library
Recommendation: Wait for the public beta or stable build unless you’re a developer who needs early access.
Final Thoughts
The iOS 26 Beta 3 and iPadOS 26 Beta 3 updates show Apple’s push toward smarter, more fluid, and more connected experiences across its ecosystem. With innovations like Apple Intelligence, Liquid Glass design, and enhanced multitasking, Apple is laying the groundwork for what could be its most polished software update yet.
Whether you’re a developer testing the latest tools or a user waiting for the public beta, this cycle of updates is shaping up to be worth the wait especially as the countdown to the iPhone 17 launch begins.