iOS 26.1 Beta 2 is Out! - What's New?

iOS 26.1 beta 2 introduces significant UI refinements, new security features like 'background security improvements,' the return of iPadOS slide over, and overall performance and stability improvements.

• iOS 26.1 beta 2 brings widespread UI refinements, including 'liquid glass' effects and left-aligned headings.

• New 'background security improvements' enhance device security between updates and 'slide over' returns to iPadOS.

• Improved performance and RAM management are noted, with hypertension alerts reinstated in the Health app.

iOS 26.1 beta 2 brings numerous updates across Apple's ecosystem, including iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. Key enhancements include a refined 'liquid glass' UI, the introduction of 'background security improvements' for enhanced security, and the highly anticipated return of the 'slide over' feature for iPad multitasking. The update also addresses several minor bugs, improves overall performance, and reinstates hypertension alerts in the Health app.

UI and Design Enhancements

• 00:00:58 iOS 26.1 beta 2 features several UI refinements, including an updated 'liquid glass' appearance for wallpapers with improved reflections and refractions, and fixed bottom corner radii. Throughout the OS, headings in settings menus (like General, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth) and folder titles are now left-aligned and bolder, indicating a new design language. The context menu in Photos also received a 'liquid glass' look with 'Delete' moved to the top, and arrows in the App Store account menu are now blue.

• 00:01:21 A significant new security feature called 'background security improvements' has been added under Privacy & Security, allowing automatic installation of additional protections between software updates. This acts similarly to 'rapid security response' and can be temporarily removed if compatibility issues arise. Additionally, hypertension alerts have been reinstated in the Health app, allowing users to sync their Apple Watch for these important notifications, a feature that was missing in beta one.

• 00:06:48 iPadOS 26.1 beta 2 reintroduces the 'slide over' multitasking feature, which allows users to slide an app window over the main screen, a highly requested functionality. United Airlines support for boarding passes has been added to Apple Wallet, and digital driver's licenses and ID cards are now functional in North Dakota, with passport options expected in a future update. The Apple Support app has also been updated with the new 'liquid glass' design.

• 00:09:55 Initial testing suggests iOS 26.1 beta 2 offers smoother performance, particularly with 'promotion' on older devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and improved RAM management with fewer apps closing in the background. The update also shows good heat management during installation and generally decent battery life. Benchmark scores indicate similar performance to beta one, with potential for slight improvement after a few days of use.