Apple has officially rolled out the iOS 26 developer beta 2, giving developers (and curious enthusiasts) an even closer look at the features and improvements headed to iPhones later this year. While the public beta is expected to launch later this month, the developer beta already reveals plenty about what Apple has been refining behind the scenes.
The beta, of course, is not meant for your main device yet — bugs and glitches are still part of the package — but it’s now a step closer to the polished public release. Here’s what you can look forward to in iOS 26 developer beta 2.
What’s New in iOS 26 Developer Beta 2?
A More Refined Liquid Glass UI
One of the biggest criticisms of developer beta 1 was the Liquid Glass UI, particularly the messy overlaps in Control Centre and other areas. Apple has addressed this in beta 2 — the interface now feels cleaner, with improved readability and better separation between elements.
Enhanced Accessibility Transparency
Developers are now required to list which accessibility features their apps support, and these will appear in a dedicated section of their App Store product pages. This added transparency is a win for inclusivity and user trust.
A Fresh Ringtone
Apple fans always notice when a new ringtone arrives, and beta 2 doesn’t disappoint. The new “Alt 1” ringtone can be found under Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Ringtone, giving users a fresh option for incoming calls.
Clearer Low Power Mode Information
Apple has added clarity about what exactly Low Power Mode does. When you activate it, you’ll now see a note explaining how it reduces background activity, lowers processing speed, drops the display refresh rate, and limits iCloud syncing to save battery.
Live Captions for Calls
Live captions for calls are also getting an upgrade — now, the other caller will be notified if the feature is active during a conversation, improving transparency and etiquette.
How to Install iOS 26 Developer Beta 2
If you’re ready to test it out, you’ll need to enroll in Apple’s Developer Program using your Apple ID. Once enrolled, you can download the beta from your iPhone’s settings.
Important: Back up your data before installing — and avoid using this beta on your primary device since app glitches and performance issues are still expected.
Device Compatibility
iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and newer models. However, to experience Apple’s new AI features (also coming with this update), you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
Apple continues to refine the iOS 26 experience ahead of its official release, and developer beta 2 shows that the company is listening to feedback and fine-tuning the details. Stay tuned for the public beta, expected later this month, which will bring these improvements to a wider audience.