The third beta of iOS 26 is now available for developers. and comes at a time when the Apple user community is very aware of the design changes and new features that will be coming to the system in the fall. After weeks of anticipation, Apple has decided to release this version that corrects multiple details that had not been entirely convincing since the official presentation at WWDC 2025. The modifications to the control center and notifications continue to attract much of the attention, along with the expected adjustments to the overall aesthetics of the system.
While only those with a developer account can install it for now, The public beta is just around the cornerIn fact, everything indicates that it will be accessible between July 14 and 16, following the usual update schedule. opens the door for most users to start testing new features with greater security and without the risks of instability associated with developer versions.
Key new features and UI tweaks in iOS 26 beta 3
The update has addressed one of the most criticized aspects of previous versions, focusing on the Adjusting transparency in the Liquid Glass designMany areas of the system, such as the navigation bars in apps like Apple Music or the App Store itself, now have a less translucent finish, being more opaque to facilitate readability of the buttons and texts. In addition, there are changes in the reflection effects when interacting with the lock screen and have been entered new styles and colors For the official wallpaper: you can now choose from a variety of shades, including Shadow, Sky, Halo, and Twilight, which are especially striking in dark mode.
As to control center and notifications, there are visual and functional improvements. The colors of the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other shortcut switches have been modified to be more intuitive and pleasing to the eye. Additionally, notifications now have a darker background, helping the text stand out regardless of the selected background.
A curious aspect of this beta is that, while some areas of the system clearly aim to reduce transparency, in the Dark mode maintains the "glass" effect characteristic of Liquid Glass. This appears to be due to internal testing on how best to balance design and functionality, a common process in these pre-launch phases.
Regarding the icons, Apps that previously displayed completely black icons now appear gray, which gives a more uniform and brighter appearance to the home screen.
Controversy and opinions among the community about the changes in Liquid Glass
The tweaks to the Liquid Glass design have sparked some debate among users and experts. While some appreciate the greater clarity and ease of reading, others consider that Apple is losing its visual essence which made iOS 26 so appealing upon its initial release. Some developers and journalists have expressed a preference for allowing users to decide the level of transparency across different areas of the system rather than a change applied across the board. For more details on the security and privacy updates in iOS 26, you can check out All the new features of iOS 26 regarding privacy and security.
For now, it's possible that these changes will continue to be fine-tuned for the stable release, as Apple routinely uses beta tests to make modifications based on feedback from users who test them.
How to install iOS 3 beta 26: steps from your iPhone
Apple has made it easier to access beta versions. Only one developer account is needed, which is now free. Then, the steps to install iOS 26 beta 3 on your iPhone are as follows:
- From the device itself, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Choose the beta version you want to install, making sure to select iOS 26 beta 3.
- Confirm the download and follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation and restart your device.
Once the time comes, the process for installing the public beta will be very similar, allowing any interested user to experience all the new features.
What to expect in the coming weeks and recommendations for users
With the release of this third beta, the iOS 26 testing cycle enters its final phase before the official launch scheduled for September. Those who are not developers You should remember that it is advisable to wait a few more days for the public beta, which is more stable and aimed at a wider audience.
Also, if you are already using a beta, it is best to always update to the latest version to avoid incompatibilities or persistent errors. For details on the installation process, please refer to our Complete guide to installing the iOS 26 beta.
This beta features small but important advances in stability, design and customization, paving the way for a more polished and comfortable system for everyone.
After weeks of rumors and leaks, iPhone users can see how Apple is fine-tuning both the visuals and functionality of iOS 26. Design debates continue, but improvements in performance, accessibility, and customization indicate that the final version will aim to offer a more mature and balanced experience.
