Apple has released iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 public beta 3, just a day after the developer builds went live.
These latest updates continue to refine the big iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 experience, adding a handful of small but meaningful changes.
Apple TV App Gets a New Look
The most noticeable visual change in beta 3 is the new Apple TV app icon. Apple is officially rebranding its streaming service from Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV, and this update gives the app a fresh, colorful identity.
The new icon replaces the old gray look with a vibrant splash of color, now visible across all platforms including iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS. Inside the app, though, references to Apple TV+ still remain as Apple continues the transition.
Local Capture Settings Arrive on iPhone and iPad
Both iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 now include a Local Capture section in Settings, found under General > Local Capture. This new menu lets users choose where audio and video recordings from calls are saved, and even restrict recordings to audio only. The feature was first introduced in iOS 26, but beta 3 adds more control and customization options.
New Toggles and UI Refinements
There’s a new “Prefer Single-Touch Actions” toggle in Settings, likely connected to the Clock app’s recent alarm and timer redesigns. It doesn’t seem fully functional yet, but it hints at new gesture-based controls in the works.
Control Center also feels smoother and more responsive, thanks to subtle bouncy animations added in this beta.
Behind the Scenes: AI Expansion
Code changes in beta 3 reveal Apple is laying groundwork to support more third-party AI providers alongside ChatGPT. Apple Intelligence could soon integrate additional services like Google Gemini, potentially arriving in a future iOS 26.1 or 26.2 update.
iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 public beta 3 don’t add major new features, but they continue Apple’s steady push toward polish, performance, and a more flexible AI-powered experience.
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