iOS 26 Public Beta Hands-On: Liquid Glass Makes a Comeback 

Published: Jul 25, 2025, 1:59 PM 

Apple has officially launched the iOS 26 Public Beta, arriving a month and a half after its unveiling at WWDC '25. This latest software update introduces a significant design overhaul, prominently featuring the reimagined Liquid Glass aesthetic.

So far, we've seen four developer betas, and the Public Beta closely mirrors Developer Beta 4 in terms of features and changes. There have indeed been numerous alterations, particularly surrounding the Liquid Glass effect, which has fluctuated between a nearly transparent sheen and a frosted matte finish. This has sparked a lively debate among users: some embrace the bold Liquid Glass effect, while others prefer a more subtle design that aligns with Apple's traditional style.

Personally, I lean towards the latter camp, as I find drastic interface changes unsettling. However, based on the current Public Beta and Developer Beta 4, it seems that the more extravagant Liquid Glass enthusiasts may prevail when iOS 26 officially launches this September.

Liquid Glass: A Bold Return

For those who adored the Liquid Glass design, you'll be pleased to know it has returned in full force. The frosted matte effect introduced in Developer Beta 3 has been replaced by a pure, translucent Liquid Glass appearance reminiscent of earlier developer builds. While I may not be a fan, feedback online suggests I may be in the minority.

Interface elements such as navigation bars and buttons have become noticeably more translucent, which can impact legibility compared to the previous beta. This shift raises concerns about the overall accessibility of iOS.

However, it's important to remember that beta versions are meant for experimentation, and we can expect further adjustments in upcoming releases. I hope Apple finalizes its approach to the Liquid Glass effect soon.

Key Changes in the Public Beta

Notable changes can be observed in various stock apps like Photos. The navigation bar at the bottom is significantly more translucent in the Public Beta, resulting in reduced legibility compared to the more opaque version in the last beta. A similar trend is evident in Apple Music, where the Liquid Glass navigation bar, while visually intriguing, compromises usability.

The App Store's navigation bar also exemplifies this effect, which may initially impress but could become tiresome over time. Fortunately, for those who prefer clearer visuals, enabling the "Reduce Transparency" option in Accessibility settings restores the more legible interface seen in Developer Beta 3.

Performance and Stability Improvements

One of the advantages of Apple's public betas is the general enhancement of performance and battery life, alongside the resolution of many bugs. The iOS 26 Public Beta indeed shows improved performance compared to Developer Beta 3, with fewer annoyances.

That said, some bugs remain. For example, when viewing recorded videos in the Photos app, audio may loop indefinitely, even after closing the video. This issue allows multiple audio streams to play simultaneously, necessitating manual pausing to resolve it—definitely not ideal.

It's crucial to report any bugs you encounter using the Feedback app, as this is the best way to help Apple address these issues.

Overall, the iOS 26 Public Beta offers smoother UX performance and better battery life. Users will likely notice less overheating compared to earlier builds.

Should You Install iOS 26 Public Beta?

This is the perennial question I often answer with a "no," yet I still find myself installing the latest developer betas as soon as they drop. Thus, I may not be the best person to advise you.

That said, the iOS 26 Public Beta is quite decent. Performance and battery life are solid, the bugs are annoying but manageable, and the Liquid Glass redesign is definitely a matter of personal preference. It's worth trying out for yourself!