Apple has released iOS 26 Beta 3 for iPhone users, introducing several visual updates and design refinements. The new beta comes about a month after iOS 26 was first showcased during WWDC 2025.
Among the most noticeable changes is a darker version of Apple’s Liquid Glass interface, which was introduced in earlier betas. The updated design is aimed at improving readability, especially when using lighter wallpapers.
What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 3
One of the biggest updates is the tweak to the Liquid Glass UI. This translucent, glass-like effect reflects and refracts content behind it, creating a layered look across apps. Since its debut, feedback has been mixed—many users said text was hard to read, while others felt it looked distracting.
In Beta 3, Apple has darkened the Liquid Glass appearance in key apps like Apple Music and Podcasts. This change is expected to make text and icons easier to see, particularly in media controls.
The update also adds four new colour options for the default wallpapers, named Shadow, Sky, Halo, and Dusk. These new shades stand out even more when Dark Mode is enabled.
Other small but welcome changes include a new layout for the dock icons—apps will remain centered even if you only have one or two placed there, rather than aligning to the left as they did before. Apple has also refreshed the icons for the Files and Photos apps, giving them a slightly updated look.
Who Can Download iOS 26 Beta 3
iOS 26 Beta 3 is available as a free over-the-air update for registered Apple developers and public beta testers. You’ll need an iPhone 11 or newer to install it.
Keep in mind that Apple Intelligence features, which were announced alongside iOS 26, remain exclusive to the iPhone 16 series for now.
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