Apple today seeded the second betas of its upcoming iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 updates to developers for testing. The new betas come two weeks after the first betas.
Registered developers can download the new beta software using the Software Update section of the Settings app.
New Features Found in iOS 26.1 Beta 2 So Far
Liquid Glass
More apps take advantage of Liquid Glass. The TestFlight and Apple Support apps both now feature Liquid Glass interface elements, including more rounded buttons, floating navigation bars, and translucency in some areas. The Liquid Glass app icons appear to be multiple layers of glass stacked on one another.
TestFlight is an app that allows iPhone users to download beta apps from developers for testing purposes, while Apple Support is Apple’s dedicated app for getting help with your devices. Both apps are available for free in the App Store.
TestFlight also got an icon overhaul, and the new design features simplified propellers. TestFlight also appears to include a new Tester Matching feature, helping users to discover apps they might like to try based on their interest. Apple says that TestFlight also includes Accessibility improvements, including VoiceOver, Voice Control, and Larger Text.
Alarms
Stopping an alarm in iOS 26.1 beta 2 requires a new Slide to Stop gesture rather than just a tap. While users can continue to tap to snooze an alarm, turning an alarm off entirely will require a swipe. This will hopefully halp users avoid turning off an alarm when they simply meant to snooze a bit longer.
New Features Found in iPadOS 26.1 Beta 2 So Far
Slide Over Multitasking Restored
Apple tweaked multitasking on the iPad to bring back the Slide Over feature from previous versions of iPadOS. Apple removed Slide Over in iPadOS 26 because it was replaced with a new windowed multitasking system. However, some iPad users missed the feature.
The updated version of Slide Over works with all of the new iPadOS 26 multitasking features. Multiple app windows can be open, and then users can use Slide Over to quickly access an app that overlays your windowed apps. Users will need to tap on the green icon of an app’s window to open up the window sizing controls. From there, they can tap on the “Enter Slide Over” button.
An app that has been put into Slide over mode transitions into a Slide Over window that stays over other open apps. Users can swipe to hide the Slide Over app from view, and then swipe again to bring it back. The Slide Over window can be resized as needed.
While Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1 beta 2 only supports a single app, it should still be a useful addition to users who were missing the option.
As usual, MacTrast and Apple both warn users to not install any betas on their daily driver iPhone or iPad. Instead, only install betas on a device set aside for testing purposes.
