Apple Releases iOS 26 Public Beta with Notification Summaries, Multitasking Enhancements

Apple has released the public beta of iPadOS 26 and iOS 26, introducing a major design overhaul called Liquid Glass which refreshes the look of the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and app icons with new transparency effects. iPadOS 26 replaces traditional multitasking tools like Stage Manager and Split Screen with a new windowing system that allows unlimited open windows on the Home Screen and background app activity. iOS 26 brings back notification summaries for news and entertainment apps, powered by Apple Intelligence, after improvements to address earlier accuracy issues. Other new iOS features include smarter call screening options, the ability to set audio files as ringtones directly from the Files app, and enhancements to the Camera app and Passwords app interface. Both operating systems emphasize improved usability and visual polish, with Apple refining many subtle UI elements and adding new wallpapers and spatial effects. These updates mark the biggest design changes in a decade and showcase Apple's ongoing focus on integrating AI and user-friendly features.