Apple has rolled out iOS 26 Beta 3 for iPhone, introducing several visual improvements and new customization options. This update brings fresh stock wallpapers and a refined Liquid Glass interface with a darker tint to enhance readability. Originally previewed at WWDC 2025, the Liquid Glass design offers a translucent glass-like effect on app icons and UI elements. Feedback from previous beta versions prompted Apple to darken the Liquid Glass appearance, particularly noticeable in apps like Apple Music and Podcasts, improving text clarity against various backgrounds.
Users can now choose from four new wallpaper color options: Shadow, Sky, Halo, and Dusk, which look especially striking when Dark Mode is enabled. Additionally, the iPhone dock icons remain centered even with fewer than four icons, a change from earlier versions where icons aligned left. Minor adjustments have also been made to the Files and Photos app icons for a cleaner look.
iOS 26 Beta 3 is available as a free over-the-air update for registered developers and beta testers using iPhone 11 or later models. Some advanced Apple Intelligence features are limited to newer devices such as the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro models. The public release of iOS 26 is expected alongside the iPhone 17 launch later this year.