iOS 26 Beta 2 and iPadOS 26 Beta 2 Release Notes: Everything New and Known Issues to Watch For

Apple just rolled out the second developer beta of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Here’s what’s changed and what still needs work.

What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 2 and iPadOS 26 Beta 2

Apple has officially released iOS 26 Beta 2 and iPadOS 26 Beta 2 to developers, just a couple of weeks after the first beta dropped at WWDC 2025. While Apple hasn’t published a flashy list of features yet, the second beta includes refinements to the new Liquid Glass UI, bug fixes, and ongoing improvements to performance and stability.

Some small but noticeable tweaks include motion-responsive wallpapers, updated UI elements in Safari, and a new ringtone. It’s clear Apple is polishing the experience leading up to the public beta next month.

As always, remember: this is still pre-release software, and Apple is continuing to squash bugs and fine-tune new features. If you’re testing on a secondary device, now’s a great time to update and explore.

Related: 5 iOS 26 Features Apple Copied from Android

Known Issues in Beta 2

According to Apple and early testers, a few issues remain in this build:

• Some apps may still crash or behave oddly
• UI animations in specific areas might feel laggy
• New Safari menu changes are still a work in progress
• Battery life can be unpredictable during daily use
• Elements of the “Liquid Glass” design are still incomplete or glitchy
• Features like “Ask” and “Image Search” may not work 100% reliably

These issues aren’t surprising, they’re typical of early betas. Apple will likely smooth them out over the next few builds.

Should You Install iOS 26 Beta 2 or iPadOS 26 Beta 2?

If you’re a developer or experienced tester, Beta 2 is a more stable ride than the first one, but it’s still not ready for daily drivers. If you depend on your iPhone or iPad for everyday tasks, it’s better to wait for the public beta or the final release in September 2025.

Want the Full Details?

Apple’s official release notes outline everything new and known in iOS 26 Beta 2 and iPadOS 26 Beta 2. Make sure to check the developer portal for the most recent documentation.