Latest news with #publicbeta
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Public Beta New AirPods Update With Features You NEED to Know
The iOS 26 public beta introduces a variety of updates designed to enhance your AirPods experience, focusing on usability, integration, and convenience. These features are available for the second-generation AirPods Pro (both USB-C and Lightning models) and AirPods 4, but notably, AirPods Max users are excluded from this update. With additions such as camera controls, automatic media pausing, and Apple Music Automix, this release aims to refine how you interact with Apple's ecosystem, making it more seamless and user-friendly. The video below from HotshotTek gives us more details on the new AirPods features in iOS 26 Public Beta. Watch this video on YouTube. Who Can Use These Features? The new features in iOS 26 are specifically tailored for the second-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods 4, supporting both USB-C and Lightning versions. Unfortunately, AirPods Max users are not included in this update, regardless of the model. This exclusion may disappoint those who rely on AirPods Max for their audio needs, but Apple's focus appears to be on enhancing smaller, portable, and versatile devices. This strategic decision aligns with the growing demand for compact, on-the-go audio solutions that integrate effortlessly into daily life. What's New? Key Features Explained The iOS 26 public beta introduces several innovative features that enhance the functionality and integration of AirPods within Apple's ecosystem. Here's a closer look at what's included: Camera Controls: AirPods now allow you to control your iPhone or iPad camera using simple stem gestures. This feature enables hands-free photo-taking or video recording, making it particularly useful for content creators, group photos, or casual photography. AirPods now allow you to control your iPhone or iPad camera using simple stem gestures. This feature enables hands-free photo-taking or video recording, making it particularly useful for content creators, group photos, or casual photography. Automatic Media Pausing: Media playback will automatically pause if no head movement is detected for 10 minutes. This is especially beneficial for users who fall asleep while listening to music or podcasts, making sure that playback doesn't continue unnecessarily. Media playback will automatically pause if no head movement is detected for 10 minutes. This is especially beneficial for users who fall asleep while listening to music or podcasts, making sure that playback doesn't continue unnecessarily. Charging Notifications: Notifications will now alert you when your AirPods are fully charged. This helps you better manage battery life and avoid overcharging, which can prolong the lifespan of your device. Notifications will now alert you when your AirPods are fully charged. This helps you better manage battery life and avoid overcharging, which can prolong the lifespan of your device. Apple Music Automix: This feature introduces smooth, DJ-style transitions between tracks, creating a seamless listening experience for Apple Music users. It's particularly appealing for those who enjoy curated playlists or uninterrupted music sessions. These updates demonstrate Apple's commitment to improving the practicality and enjoyment of using AirPods, making them more than just audio devices. How to Access the Update To explore these new features, you'll need to enroll in Apple's developer program and enable beta updates in your AirPods settings. Follow these steps to access the update: Ensure your AirPods are paired with a device running iOS 26. Charge your AirPods for at least 30 minutes while connected to the device. Enable beta updates in the AirPods settings menu. If you encounter any issues during the update process or wish to revert to a previous firmware version, you'll need to contact Apple Support for assistance. Keep in mind that beta software may have bugs or limitations, so proceed with caution if you rely on your AirPods for critical tasks. Improved Usability and Settings Navigation The iOS 26 update also introduces a redesigned layout for AirPods settings, making it easier to navigate and customize your device's functionality. The new interface is more intuitive, allowing you to quickly adjust settings such as noise cancellation, transparency mode, and gesture controls. Whether you use AirPods for media consumption, sleep, or daily tasks, these changes aim to simplify your experience and give you greater control over your device. Audio and Microphone Performance While the update doesn't bring significant changes to audio or microphone quality, minor improvements may enhance the overall experience. Subtle adjustments to sound clarity and call performance contribute to a more polished user experience, particularly for those who prioritize audio fidelity and communication quality. These refinements, though understated, reflect Apple's ongoing efforts to fine-tune its products for optimal performance. What This Means for You The iOS 26 public beta represents a meaningful step forward in enhancing AirPods functionality. Features like camera controls, automatic media pausing, and Apple Music Automix highlight Apple's dedication to refining its ecosystem and improving usability. While the exclusion of AirPods Max may leave some users disappointed, the focus on second-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 underscores Apple's commitment to portable and versatile audio solutions. If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, these updates provide a compelling reason to explore the iOS 26 public beta. By integrating new features that prioritize convenience, efficiency, and entertainment, Apple continues to elevate the AirPods experience, making it an essential part of your daily routine. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on iOS 26 public beta that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Get iOS 26 Public Beta Today! Quick & Simple Install
The release of the iOS 26 public beta provides users with an early opportunity to explore Apple's latest software updates. This version introduces a variety of new features and design improvements, offering a glimpse into the future of iOS. However, as with all beta software, there are potential risks involved. If you're considering installing the beta, this guide will help you understand the process, assess compatibility, and weigh the benefits and challenges of participating in Apple's beta program. Watch this video on YouTube. Device Compatibility and Requirements Before proceeding with the installation, it's essential to confirm that your device is compatible with iOS 26. Apple has discontinued support for certain older models, so not all devices will be eligible. The public beta is supported on the following devices: iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later models and later models iPads with M1 chips or newer If your device is not listed, attempting to install the beta could result in errors or performance issues. Making sure compatibility is a critical first step to avoid unnecessary complications. Understanding Beta Software Risks Beta software is inherently experimental and may not perform as reliably as official releases. Users should be aware of potential issues, including: App crashes that disrupt functionality that disrupt functionality Reduced battery efficiency due to unoptimized processes due to unoptimized processes Unexpected system behavior that could affect usability Apple encourages beta testers to use the Feedback app to report bugs and share suggestions. By participating, you play a vital role in refining the software and making sure a smoother experience for all users when the final version is released. Step-by-Step Guide to Installing iOS 26 Public Beta If you've decided to install the iOS 26 public beta, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process: Visit and enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program using your Apple ID. Back up your device via iCloud or a computer to safeguard your data in case of issues. via iCloud or a computer to safeguard your data in case of issues. On your device, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the public beta option. and select the public beta option. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life before downloading and installing the update. Backing up your device is a crucial precaution, as beta software can occasionally lead to data loss or system instability. Taking these steps will help minimize risks and protect your information. Key Features and Enhancements in iOS 26 iOS 26 introduces a range of new features designed to enhance user experience and functionality. Some of the most notable updates include: Liquid Glass Design: A sleek, modern aesthetic with updated icons, smoother animations, and refined menus. A sleek, modern aesthetic with updated icons, smoother animations, and refined menus. Enhanced Widget Customization: Greater flexibility to personalize your home screen with interactive widgets. Greater flexibility to personalize your home screen with interactive widgets. Safari Updates: Improved privacy controls and a redesigned interface for more intuitive browsing. These updates aim to provide a more seamless and visually appealing experience, catering to both functionality and style. Apple Watch Integration and Important Considerations For users with an Apple Watch, it's important to note that WatchOS 26 requires iOS 26 to function. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind: WatchOS 26 cannot be downgraded without assistance from Apple Support, making it a significant commitment. without assistance from Apple Support, making it a significant commitment. It is incompatible with older iOS versions, such as iOS 18, so ensure all your devices are updated to compatible software. Carefully plan your updates to avoid disruptions in your Apple ecosystem. If you rely heavily on your Apple Watch, consider waiting for the official release to ensure stability. Reverting to a Stable iOS Version If you encounter significant issues with the beta, reverting to a stable iOS version is possible. Follow these steps to downgrade: Ensure you have a recent backup of your device to restore your data. Connect your device to a computer and use Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows) to initiate the restore process. Keep in mind that any data created after your last backup will be lost during the downgrade. This process should only be undertaken if the beta software significantly impacts your device's functionality. Best Practices for Beta Testers Participating in a beta program can be an exciting way to explore new features, but it requires careful planning. To make the most of your experience: Use the Feedback app to report bugs and suggest improvements, contributing to the development process. to report bugs and suggest improvements, contributing to the development process. Consider installing the beta on a secondary device to avoid disruptions to your primary workflow. Be prepared for a learning curve as you adapt to new features and interface changes. By following these best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of early access while minimizing potential drawbacks. Exploring the Future of iOS The iOS 26 public beta offers a unique opportunity to experience Apple's latest innovations before the official release. From its sleek liquid glass design to enhanced customization options, this update promises to elevate the user experience. However, beta software comes with inherent risks, including potential instability and data loss. By carefully following the steps outlined here and approaching the beta with caution, you can explore these advancements while protecting your device and data. Enjoy the chance to shape the future of iOS through your feedback and participation. Find more information on iOS 26 Public Beta by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides, and tutorials. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
iOS 26 public beta release date tipped for this week — here's what we know
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A reputable source has suggested that Apple's iOS 26 public beta could be coming as soon as tomorrow. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman stated on social media last week that the public beta was likely to arrive either on or around July 23. In his most recent Power On newsletter, Gurman stated that 'All indications are that iOS 26 should go into the public beta phase this coming week.' Even though there's still no sighting of it, the rumors still hint at release sometime this week. So far, Apple's iOS 26 has been in development beta, designed for professionals to test out their apps and hunt down bugs. The next step is the public beta, which, as it is widely available, gives Apple a much larger test sample. In fact, Apple pushed out an iOS 26 beta 4 update recently that injects more of its new Liquid Glass design to many parts of the interface. We haven't received any official word on when we can expect the public beta for iOS 26 outside of it happening in July. However, it seems that we might not have long to wait at all. We'd also expect that, alongside the release of iOS 26's beta, we'll also see the public betas for macOS 26, iPadOS 26 and the other new software versions announced at WWDC 2025. If you want to sign up to be one of the beta testers, all you need to do is become a member of the Apple Beta Software program, where you will gain access for free. However, before signing up, we recommend that you back up all your data so you can easily revert to the older OS. The issue is that, while public betas are usually more stable than developer betas, there are still many bugs. These can be especially common in apps you use daily, and can make it impossible to use your phone normally, or put your data at risk. What's coming in iOS 26? iOS 26 is one of the biggest updates in the iPhone's history, especially visually. iOS 26 introduces users to the new Liquid Glass design language that adds a sense of transparency to your home screen, menus and lock screen. While there have been some complaints about readability, Apple has been working to solve this throughout the developer beta. The update brings big changes to your Photos app, including a new design that reintroduces the Library and Collections tabs for easier navigation. iOS 26 also introduces a battery life upgrade with a new adaptive power mode that aims to extend the battery life of the best iPhones, plus older models going back to the iPhone 11 series. For the time being, we'll have to wait and see what Apple reveals in the next few days. If Apple does release the new beta this week, then we will be sure to update you with the details of how to access it. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Your iPhone Notes app has a secret messaging feature — here's how to use it iPhone 17 Air battery leak looks like worst case scenario iPhone Fold battery and price just leaked — this could blow away Galaxy Z Fold 7
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
I've been testing iOS 26 for a month — 5 tips you need to know now that the public beta is here
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The iOS 26 public beta is now available, giving eager iPhone users the chance to see what new capabilities are coming to their phones ahead of a full release this fall. If you don't mind the hiccups and mishaps that can come from using any pre-release software, it's a great chance to get a sense of what's changing and maybe even give Apple some feedback on what features need fine-tuning. It's also a chance that Apple only started providing users fairly recently. Go back a decade or so, and the only way to try out iOS versions before their final release in the fall was to be an iPhone developer. Apple may have previewed its software releases during its annual developer conference, but the actual testing was kept out of the public view. That changed with iOS 9, where Apple rolled out a public beta for the very first time. I remember, because I downloaded that beta way back when... just like I've tested out every public beta for every iOS release since that time. As such, I've learned a few things about using beta software that could come in handy if you decide to give iOS 26 a try now that Apple has made good on its promise to deliver a public beta this month. Keep these five tips in mind to make the testing experience go as smoothly as possible. Don't use your actual iPhone if possible Apple's public betas are generally pretty stable, and they've already been in the hands of developers for a few weeks. So you're not exactly installing untried software on your iPhone when you download an iOS public beta. That said, the usual risks with beta software still apply. If you've got an app on your iPhone that you rely on for your everyday use, and it doesn't work smoothly with the beta software, you're not going to be terribly happy with the experience. Betas are also notorious for draining your battery faster than software that's been tried and tested. That's why I advise anyone who's trying out a beta to install it on a backup phone if they have one available. For instance, I've been running the iOS 26 developer beta since Apple released it amid WWDC 2025, and it's not installed on the iPhone I use as my daily device. Instead, I've got it on a few other iPhones I have around for testing purposes. I haven't run into any showstopping issues on those devices, but it's reduced my stress greatly not having to worry about a potential issue causing havoc on my regular phone. I'm fully aware that as a phone reviewer, I likely have more unused iPhones lying around than the typical person. In fact, given how the best phone deals encourage you to trade in your current device to get the best price on a handset, you may not have any old iPhone available at all to serve as your test device. That doesn't necessarily take you out of the running to test iOS 26 when the public beta rolls around, though. If the only phone you have available is the one currently in your pocket, my advice would be to wait until Apple releases a subsequent update to the first public beta. That way, you can make sure that other people aren't running into major issues that might trip up your iPhone use. But some of you may still decide to throw caution to the wind and install the public beta on your one and only iPhone. That's fine — just make sure you don't skip over my next piece of advice. Before you do anything, back up your iPhone Any time you upgrade your phone's software, you should first make an archived backup. But that's especially true when you're about to put a beta release on your device. Having a recent backup stored within easy reach buys you a bit of insurance, as you can revert to the older version of the iOS should the beta prove unstable. We've got instructions on how to back up your iPhone, but basically, if you're backing up to a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, simply plug in your iPhone to the computer, select your device from a Finder window and click Back Up Now. For iCloud backups, fire up the Settings app, tap on your name and select iCloud. From there, tap on iCloud Back Up and select Back Up Now on the subsequent screen. If you need to go back to the old version of iOS after installing a beta, you have to erase and restore your iPhone, using an archived backup. And since you want to go back to the currently shipping version of iOS and not the beta, you need to make sure that backup is from the last release — iOS 18 in the case of reverting from the iOS 26 beta. That's why I suggest backing up to a computer so that you can have some control over the backup process. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with Liquid Glass All right, so you've made the backup, you've installed the beta and you're ready to explore what's new. What new feature should you try out first? In the case of iOS 26, I'd recommend setting aside time to familiarize yourself with the interface. Like the other Apple software releases this year, iOS 26 features a new Liquid Glass interface. And while it's not completely reinventing the look of the iPhone software, things will look different enough to the point where you'll want to poke around before trying any particular feature. Look at the icons and the toolbars. Notice how translucent menus are. Play around with icon shading to see which one works best for you. And above all, visit the Control Center by swiping down from the right-hand corner of your iPhone screen. The translucent panels tend to more legible with darker wallpapers, so you may find yourself wanting to follow the lead of my colleague John Velasco, who went into Settings and enabled a Reduce Transparency option in the Accessibility menu. Certain apps have more condensed toolbars, too. For example, iOS 26 Safari defaults to a new Compact tab design that features just a back button, menu and search bar and more button for accessing things like bookmarks, tabs and sharing options. If you want a more expanded look, the Bottom tab design gives you more immediate access to those options like you had in iOS 18. Safari isn't the only app with streamlined controls. You'll find them in apps like Phone, and if you have a Apple Intelligence-capable device, the screenshot controls are different to accommodate new Visual Intelligence features. Spending a little time looking around the Liquid Glass interface will help you acclimate to iOS's new look and may cut down on the frustation of getting used to a new look. Identify the features you want to try out After you've had a chance to look at the new interface, pick an app or two to explore in greater depth in the iOS 26 beta. I'd prioritize spending time with the apps you use the most ahead of anything else. For instance, if you're always using the Messages app, explore the changes Apple's introducing in the iOS 26 version from polls to new chat backgrounds to options for filtering out unknown senders. If it's Photos you turn to more often than not, you've got a new interface to explore there, too, not to mention the ability to turn photos into spatial photos with the tap of a button. And don't go into this exploration without a good guide. Apple has an iOS 26 preview page where you can get a list of the major new features in each app. And Tom's Guide has published some guides, too, based on our experience with the iOS 26 developer beta. Those guides include: iOS 26 Messages iOS 26 Visual Intelligence iOS 26 Maps iOS 26 Car Play iOS 26 Camera iOS 26 Photos iOS 26 Wallet iOS 26 Shortcuts Give Apple feedback Apple puts out these public beta not just to get people familiar with new features ahead of the software's final release. It's also looking for feedback. And that's something you can provide. There's a Feedback app specifically included in the beta. If you don't see its purple icon with an exclamation point inside a dialog balloon, just tap the search bar and start typing Feedback into the search field. Apple's already made design tweaks in iOS 26, thanks to feedback in the developer beta. And if you've got an iPhone capable of running Apple Intelligence, feedback can help train the AI tools as well. Here's an example: I was playing around with Visual Intelligence, using the new ability to pull dates from screenshots to create calendar entries. Apple Intelligence was creating an entry with the right time but wrong date, so I tapped the thumbs down feedback button that appears next to Apple Intelligence features in beta and selected Wrong Date from the list of menu options provided. Subsequent efforts to use that feature in Visual Intelligence worked much better. Not all the feedback you give will have that immediate an impact. But letting Apple know what's working and what's not in the iOS 26 beta will lead to a more polished experience — not just for you, but for everyone using the software. More from Tom's Guide Apple reportedly has more iOS 26 features in the works — here's what's coming to your iPhone iOS 26 brings big changes to your iPhone lock screen — what to expect iPhone 17 rumors — what we know so far
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
iOS 26 beta 4 is here — and these are the big changes
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. iOS 26 beta 4 just arrived, and it is likely the last developer beta that Apple will launch ahead of the expected public beta debut this month. That hasn't stopped Apple from making some fairly significant tweaks to the OS though. Liquid Glass, iOS 26's big new design language, has become more "liquid" again, after beta 3 tuned down the effect. Image 1 of 2 Image 2 of 2 Rather than just blurring the background, we again get the warping effect, as if the menu bars were made from curved glass. Apple is still considering readability, though. For instance, there's now a darker tint to the notification shade that appears as you scroll down through your notifications. While we're here, we can also check out the new dynamic iOS 26 wallpaper. This changes colors throughout the day, but the preview shows all the different hues quickly cycling between one another to show the effect clearly. One alteration we've been expecting is the call screening options now appear in the Settings menu. You can disable this feature, or just stop unknown callers from ringing, or use the new option where Siri will ask the caller what they're ringing for. We also see some new welcome screens in certain parts of the interface, likely made in preparation for the public beta to help guide new users. When unlocking the phone for the first time after installing the beta, you get a couple which run through changes to major apps, and a few specific apps get new messages after you open them, such as the Camera. During the opening process, iOS 26 also highlights the return of notification summaries for news and entertainment apps, for users who wish to opt in. For these critical apps, Apple promises the AI summaries will be clearly marked as such, hopefully ensuring any wonky summaries won't cause problems. You can also use this screen to select if you want to apply AI summaries to notifications from Communications & Social apps, and apps more generally. In iOS 18, phones that supported Apple Intelligence picked up a notifications summary feature, but summaries of news and entertainment stories were disabled in January 2025 when the summaries proved to be wildly inaccurate or misleading. This change restores that feature in iOS 26. There are likely further changes that will be discovered, but this looks to be all the major changes to iOS 26 beta there aren't really any new toys to play with, the alterations all seem smart and considered. We look forward to testing it out over the coming days, and to introducing a new wave of users to iOS 26's changes when the public beta goes live, which is rumored to be happening this week. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Apple rumored to release 6 new iPhone models starting next year — including iPhone Fold Your iPhone Notes app has a secret messaging feature — here's how to use it Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 battery life — the results are in
