Apple Releases iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Beta 3: What You Need to Know
Apple has officially seeded iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 3 to developers, marking another step toward the full public launch expected this fall. Many users are searching for what’s new in this update, how it improves the experience, and when they can try it themselves. The third beta arrives just two weeks after beta 2 and brings refinements, bug fixes, and deeper implementation of Apple’s new design philosophy. If you’re eager to explore Apple’s Liquid Glass UI or test new Apple Intelligence features, this beta shows what the future holds for iPhone and iPad users.
Both platforms continue building on earlier beta releases, with updates to apps like Messages, Apple Music, and Phone, alongside a redesigned CarPlay experience. iPadOS 26 especially benefits from a powerful new multitasking system, while iOS 26 refines user personalization and performance. This blog breaks down the most important changes and what developers—and soon, public beta testers—can expect.
Liquid Glass Redesign Enhances the Look and Feel of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
One of the biggest visual upgrades in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 3 is the expanded use of Apple’s new Liquid Glass aesthetic. This design language embraces translucent layers, soft gradients, and a refined sense of depth across the interface. You’ll notice it on the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and even inside stock apps. The translucent effects provide a more immersive and modern experience, subtly reacting to light and motion.
Menus, buttons, and UI elements now feature a more glass-like texture—offering elegance without sacrificing usability. These changes aren’t just cosmetic; they also enhance accessibility by adjusting blur and contrast based on lighting and content. The update shows Apple’s continued push toward dynamic, device-adaptive design. This visual overhaul will likely be a cornerstone feature when iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 roll out publicly later in 2025.
New Features in Messages, Apple Intelligence, and CarPlay
Beyond the visual revamp, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 3 introduces more powerful tools and integrations across native apps. Apple Intelligence is becoming a central part of the OS, powering smart suggestions, summarization features, and contextual reminders. These enhancements span Messages, Mail, and Notes, allowing for quicker replies and smarter productivity on the go.
The Messages app has been subtly redesigned, with smoother animations and quicker access to stickers, effects, and pinned conversations. Apple Music receives quality-of-life improvements as well, like more personalized recommendations and playlist generation tools powered by on-device intelligence. CarPlay gets a significant refresh—faster UI transitions, improved Siri responsiveness, and deeper vehicle integration for navigation and media control.
Meanwhile, Shortcuts in this beta allow more granular automation and better HomeKit scene support. These updates show how Apple is blending AI into daily tasks, not with a dramatic shift, but through smarter background enhancements that reduce friction and boost usability.
iPadOS 26 Beta 3 Brings Desktop-Level Multitasking to the iPad
For iPad users, iPadOS 26 beta 3 brings a standout upgrade: a new multitasking interface that makes the iPad feel closer to a Mac than ever. The latest beta supports multiple resizable windows per app, a more intuitive window management gesture system, and persistent dock previews for seamless app switching.
Apple clearly intends for iPads—especially the iPad Pro models with M-series chips—to function as productivity-first devices. Whether you're dragging files between apps, using Stage Manager, or launching a multi-window Safari workspace, this update makes it easier to get real work done. It’s not just about mimicking macOS; it’s about crafting a flexible interface that scales between casual touch use and pro-level workflows.
With keyboard and trackpad support growing steadily more powerful, iPadOS 26 beta 3 reinforces the iPad’s place in Apple’s ecosystem as a legitimate hybrid device. These multitasking features are already polished enough in the beta stage to get developers excited—and once the public beta drops, expect a flood of user feedback to further shape the fall release.
When to Expect the Public Beta and Final Launch of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
As of now, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 3 are only available to registered developers through the Apple Developer Program. However, Apple has confirmed that a public beta is on the way “very soon”—likely within the next couple of weeks. Historically, Apple opens up public testing shortly after the third or fourth developer beta, giving enthusiasts and testers an early look before the general release.
The final versions of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are expected to launch in the fall, likely around Apple’s annual iPhone event in September. Until then, beta releases will continue every couple of weeks, refining the system and introducing more finalized features. If you’re considering installing the public beta when it drops, remember to back up your device and install it on non-critical hardware to avoid any instability.
From Liquid Glass design elements to smarter automation and multitasking, these updates aren’t just incremental—they reflect Apple’s larger vision for device intelligence and interface evolution. Whether you’re a developer building for the future or a user eager to try something new, the third beta offers a promising preview of what's coming soon.
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