Apple has officially announced the upcoming release of its latest operating system, set to debut on devices later this year. Dubbed iOS 26 (instead of the anticipated iOS 19), the new system boasts a fresh appearance known as Liquid Glass, accompanied by a host of new features.
Upon installation, users will notice a sleek redesign, including additions like Call Screening to block unwanted calls and automatic removal of spam text messages. Additionally, popular Apple apps like Maps and Photos are receiving updates.
One notable enhancement is the ability to customize snooze durations for alarms, ranging from 1 to 15 minutes, offering users more flexibility in their daily routines.
While the exact launch date for iOS 26 remains unspecified, it is expected to roll out on compatible devices in September. However, for eager individuals, Apple has confirmed the availability of the Public Beta starting next month, allowing users to sign up and test the system ahead of the global release.
Apple stated, “New public betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, HomePod software 26, watchOS 26, and AirPods Firmware are on the horizon,” inviting participation in shaping the software through feedback.
Interested users can enroll in the Apple Beta Software Programme to try out pre-release versions and contribute to improvement efforts. It is advised not to install the beta on primary devices due to potential bugs and issues typical of pre-released software.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, praised iOS 26 for its enhanced design and improved features that cater to daily user needs, emphasizing the system’s personalization and efficiency.
As the beta version may still undergo refinements, an exact release time for iOS 26 beta remains undisclosed. Stay tuned for further updates on this development.
