Apple Releases iOS 26 Beta 6 Packed with New Features
Apple has rolled out the sixth developer beta of iOS 26, adding a fresh set of ringtones, tweaks to the Camera app, subtle interface polish, and a noticeable boost in app performance.
The release, which landed Tuesday alongside updated betas for iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS, edges the software closer to its expected public debut in September. This round of changes isn’t about headline-grabbing features — it’s more about small refinements that make day-to-day use smoother, according to TechCrunch.
One of the biggest talking points so far? Six new ringtones, each a variation on Apple’s familiar “Reflection” tone. Early testers seem especially taken with one called Dreamer, which has been winning fans on social media.
Apple has pushed out the sixth developer beta of iOS 26, bringing in a handful of small but welcome tweaks — including new ringtones, Camera app adjustments, smoother animations, and snappier overall performance.
The update, released Tuesday alongside fresh betas for iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS, is part of the final stretch before the software’s expected public launch in September. While this round doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking, it fine-tunes a few areas that users interact with daily.
One change already getting attention is the return of the Camera app’s original swipe behaviour for switching modes. Apple had recently reversed the direction — a move that was widely criticised — but has now restored the familiar gesture.
Also new is a set of six ringtones, all reimagined versions of the classic “Reflection” tone. Testers seem particularly fond of one called Dreamer, which has quickly found fans across social media.
Under the hood, Apple says users should notice faster transition times and refreshed animations when opening or closing apps, making the OS feel more responsive.
Apple has rolled out the sixth developer beta of iOS 26, packing in a mix of subtle refinements and visual polish as the update edges closer to its expected September release.
Alongside fresh betas for iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS, the new build focuses on smoothing rough edges from earlier test versions. It introduces six new ringtones — each a reworked take on the familiar “Reflection” tone — with one in particular, Dreamer, quickly gaining traction among early testers on social media.
The Camera app’s swipe gesture has also been restored to its original behaviour after a recent change frustrated long-time users. Performance tweaks are visible across the system, with quicker app launches, tighter animations, and shorter transition times.
Visually, Apple has refined its “Liquid Glass” interface, the new translucent, glass-like effect running through iOS 26. In this beta, colour dispersion in tab navigation is more pronounced, and the Lock Screen and toggle buttons now show richer, more dynamic effects.
For those updating from earlier versions, a redesigned onboarding sequence appears after installation. It walks users through Liquid Glass and other iOS 26 highlights, including refreshed app icons and updated layouts for several native apps.
Taken together, the changes suggest Apple is in the final stages of locking in the look, feel, and performance of iOS 26 before it lands on millions of devices next month.
A public beta update is expected shortly following the developer release.
Published in Daily Pak, August 15th, 2025