“iOS 26.1 Beta 2” is trending online, and here’s why. The new software update includes improvements to features introduced in the previous version. In addition, the update adds new quality-of-life features, streamlining the overall user experience. IOS 26 was first announced at Apple‘s Worldwide Developer Conference in June. The public beta launched the following month, followed by the final release in September. The operating system is a big leap from previous releases as it introduces Liquid Glass. Liquid Glass replaces the standard flat design language with a rounded and translucent one.
Why is ‘iOS 26.1 Beta 2’ trending?
Apple’s iOS 26.1 Beta 2 is trending due to the new features it offers.
iOS 26.1 Beta 2 has added the following new features:
- “Slide to Stop” alarm: You can turn off the alarm from the iPhone lock screen via the “Slide to Stop” option — a reference to the iPhone’s old but iconic “Slide to Unlock” feature. However, if you wish to snooze, simply tap the button.
- Fitness App updates: The iOS 26.1 Beta 2 has updated the overall experience offered by Fitness App. Users can now create Custom Workouts by choosing a workout type, estimated active calories, effort, duration, and start time.
- Background Security Improvements: In the Privacy & Security section of ‘Settings,’ Apple has added an option to automatically download and install security updates. Users can choose whether to use this feature by using the toggle button.
- Icon and Text Alignment in Settings: Apple has changed the alignment of icons and text in Settings. Section headers in Settings, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, previously aligned to the center, are now on the left.
- Display Settings: Apple has updated the Display section in ‘Settings.’ Fans can now see the iOS 26-themed wallpapers instead of iOS 18. Moreover, accessibility settings have been updated. Fans can now use a “Display Borders” toggle — replacing the earlier “Button Shapes” feature — which adds borders to all buttons.
- Home Screen Folders: Names of Home Screen folders are now aligned to the left instead of the center.
- Liquid Glass: The icon and background colors are now much darker. This is due to the changes made to the light refraction effect around apps, which is now more subtle.
- Calendar App: The change showing events in a full background color has been removed.
- Photos: The Photos app interface has been tweaked. The “Play as Slideshow,” “Favorite,” and “Hide” features are now at the top of the menu, unlike before, where they were at the bottom, alongside Copy and Duplicate.
Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on Mandatory.
