Discover My Top Three Favorite Features in iOS 26 Beta

Exciting Developments from Apple’s WWDC 2025
This past week has been a thrilling time for those who love the Apple ecosystem. During the annual WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple unveiled an innovative Liquid Glass design that will be consistent across all its platforms.Additionally, the numbering system has been simplified; iOS 26 now reflects the year of release plus one.
While this new platform doesn’t include multitasking—something available on iPadOS 26—it does introduce several features that enhance usability on the iPhone.
I’ve spent a few days testing the initial developer beta of iOS 26 on my iPhone 16 Pro. It’s significant to remember that this is just an early version aimed at helping developers create new experiences.as with every year, we can expect improvements before next month’s final beta and even more enhancements leading up to its stable release in Fall.
The All-New Liquid Glass Interface
The fresh Liquid Glass interface is something I truly admire. The translucent effects give it a modern and vibrant feel, as you can see in screenshots below. While I can't comment yet on how it affects battery life or performance, it certainly looks stunning and should shine even brighter with the upcoming iPhone 17 series.
This redesign has already revitalized my experience with the iPhone 16 Pro, making it feel more premium than ever before.Even though iOS 18 introduced various features, it lacked some of the polish seen in earlier releases from Apple. In contrast, Liquid Glass signifies a thorough revamp of both interface and user experience while also addressing many previous concerns.
Before this launch, there were whispers about an overhaul of Apple's platform design. I had hoped for more than just aesthetic changes; I wanted them to tackle inconsistencies and bugs that have built up over years as their last major redesign twelve years ago. Even though we’re still working with an early developer beta version, it's clear this update is significant enough to address many issues I've had in mind.
Enhanced Preview and Files Apps from iPadOS
for quite some time now, Apple has promoted its devices as productivity tools; however, with iOS 26 they’ve taken a big leap forward in functionality.The introduction of new Preview and Files apps—previously found only on macOS—has made its way onto the iPhone as well thru updates from iPadOS 26.
This addition brings file management capabilities closer to what Android users enjoy today; however, accessing photos stored directly on your device outside of Photos remains limited for now.
I have relied heavily on PDF Expert across my devices for managing PDFs but find that while Preview doesn’t allow text editing like PDF Expert does—it does let you sign documents or add text boxes without any cost involved! It strikes a nice balance by offering essential features without overwhelming users.
The Files app may not be brand-new but comes packed with updates including context menus similar to those found in Preview app functionalities. You can set default applications for different file types or adjust other settings using Mac-like menus simply by pressing down on files—a handy feature!
Both apps work seamlessly with iCloud Drive too! This means once synced properly between devices like MacBooks or other products within Apple's ecosystem—I can access any file right from my phone! Previously possible through Files alone—the addition of Preview makes tasks typically reserved for Macs much easier when using either your phone or tablet!
A Revamped Dialer Experience
It’s uncommon for companies to highlight upgrades related specifically to dialing functions—but during their reveal event—Apple did just that! The dialing experience within ios-26 underwent ample improvements resulting in something reminiscent more closely aligned towards Google pixel's approach rather than older versions associated solely with apple products!
The dialer now presents everything—including call logs missed calls voicemails—all within one unified view which feels refreshing compared against customary layouts seen previously across smartphones today! If you’re not fond about these changes? no worries—you’ll find options available allowing customization back towards older designs if preferred instead!
Additionally alongside these enhancements come two AI-driven calling features designed specifically aimed at simplifying everyday tasks: Call Screening & Hold Assist which help manage incoming calls effectively so users don’t need worry anymore about being interrupted constantly throughout day-to-day activities either!
I’ve already found Call Screening especially useful since receiving numerous spam calls regularly lately—and having haptic notifications improved means seeing transcripts displayed even when phone silenced allows me quickly decide whether answering worth effort involved here too!
User-Pleasant Enhancements Across Platforms
This isn’t exactly categorized under “features,” but consider them delightful bonuses: small tweaks noticed throughout ios-26 make overall usage smoother overall compared prior iterations experienced thus far during lifetime spent utilizing iphone models previously released until now!.
Apart from notable upgrades made regarding context menus present inside both preview/files applications mentioned earlier—they extend beyond those specific areas alone into various aspects encountered daily while navigating around operating system itself too!.
No longer feeling restricted/customization limited versus android counterparts anymore thanks largely due increased usability offered via drop-downs appearing whenever expected (like calling numbers visible websites). Instead merely providing basic options such as copying numbers/calling directly—you’ll discover additional choices available allowing connections through popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp/Telegram etc.,enhancing versatility considerably overall!.
If only multitasking could finally arrive someday soon…that would complete wish list perfectly—but despite absence thereof currently present situation seems promising nonetheless given how much better things appear shaping up thus far based upon initial impressions gathered testing out latest developer beta version released recently here today!!
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