Apple’s iterative updates are a constant, but with iOS 26 beta 2, the company has truly outdone itself. While the initial beta laid the groundwork, this second iteration sprinkles in some seriously impressive new features and refinements that are making us excited for the public release. After spending ample time with it, here are my eight favorite additions and changes that you’ll want to know about.
1. Enhanced Dynamic Island Customization
The Dynamic Island, a flagship feature of the iPhone 14 Pro, gets even better. Beta 2 introduces deeper customization options, allowing users to tailor the information displayed more granularly. Think more third-party app integration and the ability to choose which alerts take priority, making this already innovative feature even more indispensable.
2. Smarter Siri with Contextual Awareness
Siri is getting a significant intelligence boost. iOS 26 beta 2 demonstrates a noticeable improvement in contextual understanding. It’s now better at remembering previous requests and understanding follow-up questions without needing a complete rephrasing. This feels like a genuine step towards a more conversational AI assistant.
3. Revamped Focus Modes with Personalization
Focus Modes were a great addition, but beta 2 takes personalization to a new level. You can now create more intricate rules for when and where specific Focus Modes activate, including location-based triggers and even time-of-day specific settings within a single Focus. Say goodbye to notification overload!
4. Improved Stage Manager for iPadOS (and its iOS Hints)
While primarily an iPadOS feature, the underlying improvements to multitasking and window management in Stage Manager are hinting at exciting possibilities for iPhone users in the future. The smoother transitions and more intuitive resizing in the beta are a testament to Apple’s commitment to powerful, yet accessible, workflows.
5. Next-Gen Health Tracking Features
Apple continues to push the boundaries of health monitoring. This beta includes preliminary access to new health tracking metrics, potentially leveraging the iPhone’s sensors in novel ways. Early indications suggest advanced sleep stage analysis and more detailed activity insights, which are incredibly promising.
6. A More Intuitive Control Center Experience
The Control Center has received a subtle but impactful redesign. Expect more logical grouping of controls, easier access to frequently used settings, and the introduction of custom shortcuts for specific actions. It’s about making the most common tasks even quicker to access.
7. Advanced Privacy Controls and Transparency
Privacy remains paramount for Apple, and beta 2 expands on this. New privacy dashboards offer even clearer insights into how apps are using your data, with more granular controls over permissions. You’ll feel more empowered than ever to manage your digital footprint.
8. Visual Refinements and Smoother Animations
Beyond the headline features, there are numerous small but delightful visual tweaks. Smoother animations, updated icon designs, and subtle UI adjustments contribute to an overall more polished and premium user experience. These are the details that truly elevate the software.
iOS 26 beta 2 is shaping up to be a major update, packed with features that enhance productivity, communication, and personal well-being. We’re eagerly anticipating the final release and can’t wait to see how these new capabilities integrate into our daily lives.