First betas of iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2 released
Apple has started rolling out the first betas of its latest operating system updates to registered developers, marking the beginning of a new testing cycle just days after the release of iOS 26.1 and other related software updates.
In keeping with Apple's tradition, the tech giant didn't waste much time in initiating the next phase of beta releases. This is taking place even before the release of macOS 26.2, which is still in the process of beta testing. The current crop of first betas includes iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.1, with no sign of unfinished features or promises made earlier being carried forward this time around.
Instead, it appears that Apple has focused on making the upcoming version 26.2 primarily a stability and bug fix update, in response to user feedback following the release of iOS 26.1. Liquid Glass, which has been known to cause display errors for many users, is likely to be addressed in this version. Additionally, we can expect performance improvements, as Apple often releases patches to resolve issues with complex UI elements.
As we move forward to next spring, significant new features will start rolling out with iOS 26.4 and macOS 26.4. These updates promise to bring exciting changes, including the introduction of Siri generation with contextual knowledge that was announced earlier this year. For users in the US, iOS 26.2 is expected to include support for passport storage within the Wallet app, as well as end-to-end encryption for RCS messages.
It's worth noting that while we expect certain features, such as performance enhancements and stability improvements, Apple may still surprise us with unexpected additions or changes. If any new developments emerge, we'll make sure to update this article accordingly.
The current state of beta releases in the developer area is as follows. These builds are not yet available to the public but will likely become accessible after Apple releases a second or third developer build:
At this point, Apple has made macOS 26.2 Beta 1 pending release, while iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2 beta versions have started rolling out to developers. The corresponding system build numbers for these releases are 23C5027f, 23S5280e, and 23N5279e, respectively. Interestingly, tvOS 26.1 has been designated as version 26.2 in a single release.
Apple's usual development schedule typically involves the beta cycle being complete with public betas released after two or three developer builds. As we move forward, it's likely that these releases will become more frequent and widely available to developers and eventually to the general public.
