
iOS 26 Gathers Momentum: Deep Dive into the Latest Betas & Features
Watch this video on YouTube. Notable Features and Design Improvements
iOS 26 brings several updates designed to improve usability, functionality, and overall efficiency. These standout features aim to simplify everyday tasks and provide users with greater control over their devices: Photos App: Advanced editing tools now allow for precise image adjustments, giving users more creative control. Enhanced animations make navigating large photo libraries smoother and more intuitive.
Advanced editing tools now allow for precise image adjustments, giving users more creative control. Enhanced animations make navigating large photo libraries smoother and more intuitive. Preview App: A brand-new addition to iOS, this app enables users to crop, flip, and access detailed metadata for images directly on their devices, eliminating the need for third-party tools.
A brand-new addition to iOS, this app enables users to crop, flip, and access detailed metadata for images directly on their devices, eliminating the need for third-party tools. Podcast App: Playback speeds can now be customized on a show-by-show basis, offering a more personalized listening experience tailored to individual preferences.
Playback speeds can now be customized on a show-by-show basis, offering a more personalized listening experience tailored to individual preferences. Mail App: A redesigned interface prominently displays unread email counts, making it easier to manage inboxes and prioritize important messages.
A redesigned interface prominently displays unread email counts, making it easier to manage inboxes and prioritize important messages. Keyboard Settings: A revamped layout simplifies customization, improving typing efficiency and making it easier to personalize the keyboard to suit your needs.
These updates reflect Apple's commitment to refining its ecosystem, making sure that users can perform tasks more efficiently while enjoying a seamless experience. Performance Enhancements and Current Challenges
iOS 26 demonstrates clear performance improvements, with higher Geekbench scores indicating faster processing speeds and smoother multitasking. However, these gains come with certain trade-offs that beta testers should be aware of: Overheating: Many users have reported that devices tend to run hotter than usual during prolonged use, which could affect usability and potentially impact hardware longevity.
Many users have reported that devices tend to run hotter than usual during prolonged use, which could affect usability and potentially impact hardware longevity. Battery Life: While some bugs affecting battery performance have been addressed, others persist, leading to inconsistent results. This may pose challenges for users who rely heavily on their devices throughout the day.
These issues highlight the risks associated with early adoption, particularly for those who depend on their devices for critical tasks. While the beta offers a glimpse into the future of iOS, it may not yet be suitable for primary devices. Beta Release Schedule and Expectations
The iOS 26 beta program is progressing steadily, with several key milestones on the horizon. These updates are expected to address existing issues and improve overall stability: Beta 3: Scheduled for release around July 7, this version is anticipated to resolve some of the current bugs, including those related to overheating and battery performance.
Scheduled for release around July 7, this version is anticipated to resolve some of the current bugs, including those related to overheating and battery performance. Public Beta: Expected to launch on July 14 or 15, the public beta typically offers enhanced stability and performance, making it a safer choice for users who prioritize reliability.
For those eager to explore iOS 26, waiting for the public beta may be the most prudent option. This version is likely to provide a more polished experience while minimizing disruptions. Recommendations for Beta Testers
Testing the iOS 26 beta can be an exciting opportunity to explore new features before the official release. However, it's important to approach the process with caution to avoid unnecessary complications. Consider the following recommendations: Use a Secondary Device: Early beta versions are often unstable and prone to bugs, making them unsuitable for primary devices that you rely on daily.
Early beta versions are often unstable and prone to bugs, making them unsuitable for primary devices that you rely on daily. Wait for the Public Beta: If stability and reliability are priorities, the public beta is a safer option, as it typically addresses many of the critical issues found in earlier releases.
If stability and reliability are priorities, the public beta is a safer option, as it typically addresses many of the critical issues found in earlier releases. Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates and user feedback to stay informed about the beta's progress and any newly discovered issues.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of testing iOS 26 while minimizing potential risks to your device's functionality. Looking Ahead
iOS 26 represents a significant step forward, offering innovative features and performance enhancements that aim to redefine the user experience. While the current beta stage highlights some challenges, such as overheating and battery inconsistencies, these are expected to improve as the beta program progresses. By staying informed and exercising caution, you can make the most of what iOS 26 has to offer while avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
Expand your understanding of iOS 26 features with additional resources from our extensive library of articles.
Source & Image Credit: iReviews Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
When is Black Friday 2025? Plus best deals to expect
Dare we say it, but with autumn just around the corner, you might already be thinking ahead to Black Friday and Christmas shopping. Last year, there were hundreds of discounts on major brands across tech, TVs, laptops, gaming, beauty, sleep and lots more. Some products dropped to their lowest ever price, making it a great time to save on Christmas gifts or treat yourself to your wishlist items. Whether you're looking for a Ninja air fryer, Shark cordless vacuum, Simba mattress, Lego set, Charlotte Tilbury products or new Apple AirPods, many of the biggest brands and retailers are set to reduce the prices of popular products. The IndyBest team and I are going to be tracking all of the best deals in the run-up to and during the sales event, but in the meantime, here's what to expect from Black Friday 2025. When is Black Friday 2025? Black Friday starts on Friday 28 November 2025, and runs until Cyber Monday on Monday 1 December. As we've seen in previous years, many retailers start their sales as early as the beginning of November. I'll keep this page up to date from now until the official sales start, so you can stay across the best early Black Friday discounts as soon as they arrive. What is Black Friday? Black Friday is the biggest sales event of the year. It falls on the fourth Friday of November, the day after Thanksgiving in the US, and is seen as the best time to snap up deals ahead of Christmas. Typically, discounts will continue right through the weekend, until Cyber Monday. We often see popular products, such as the Apple AirPods Pro 2 or Meta Quest 3, reduced to their lowest ever price, making it an ideal time to save on bestsellers. What are the best brands to shop on Black Friday? Some brands host just a couple of sales during the year, and Black Friday is often their biggest. 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The prices of electric toothbrushes, for example, fluctuate throughout the year, often swinging between full price and half price from week to week. A half-price toothbrush deal on Black Friday might be closer to its normal price than it appears. If you know ahead of the sale that there's a particular product you want to buy, check its usual price with online price checking tools like camelcamelcamel (for Amazon products) or PriceRunner. I'd also suggest comparing prices across multiple retailers before jumping on the first Black Friday or Cyber Monday offer you see. Here at IndyBest, the rest of the team and I keep track of prices throughout the year, so we can spot a decent deal from a dud. Keep an eye on our Black Friday and Cyber Monday guides for top offers on tried-and-tested products. Why you can trust us to find the best Black Friday deals The IndyBest reviews experts and I track the price of popular products year-round. 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The EE Store cut the price of the games console by £36 in its Black Friday sale, and right now there's an even bigger saving. I'm expecting further discounts when the sale rolls around in November. Boasting 8K graphics, 2TB of storage for even more games, improved ray tracing and upscaling through Sony's PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, it's a powerhouse of a games console. Ninja had some excellent discounts over the Amazon Prime Day sale in July, so I'm hoping to see more on Black Friday. One appliance to keep an eye out for is the double stack air fryer. In her review, our tester Katie found it 'a strong, space-saving option for smaller kitchens.' In July, the regular-sized model (7.6l) was reduced to £199, so expect even more discounts in the lead-up to Christmas. Considered the best ereader in our review, The Independent 's tech critic David Phelan loved this device. 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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Trump's space order risks environmental disaster while rewarding Musk and Bezos, experts say
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
SpaceX redesigns Starship to get Mars-bound rocket to stop exploding
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