Apple releases second iOS 26 beta with Control Center tweaks, new iPhone ringtone, and more

Apple has rolled out the second developer beta of iOS 26, introducing a handful of refinements and new features as the company continues polishing its biggest iPhone software update in years.

Among the most noticeable changes is an updated Control Center, where Apple has made the buttons slightly more opaque. This addresses one of the early criticisms of the new Liquid Glass design, which some users found made controls harder to distinguish against colorful or busy backgrounds. The increased opacity improves visibility for standard app icons as well as the new glass-style controls.

Another subtle but welcome addition is a brand-new iPhone ringtone, offering users an alternative to the familiar “Reflection” tone that has been the default for several generations.

iOS 26 marks Apple’s most significant visual overhaul since iOS 7, introducing the Liquid Glass aesthetic with translucent layers, dynamic layouts, and spatial wallpapers that deliver striking 3D-like effects. The Lock Screen now intelligently moves the clock to avoid overlapping with key elements in your wallpaper, while stock apps like Camera, Photos, Music, News, and Podcasts feature refreshed interfaces, including a floating tab bar for more immersive navigation.

The update also enhances Apple Intelligence, the company’s on-device AI suite. New features include Live Translation in Messages and FaceTime, Visual Intelligence for interacting with on-screen content, and upgrades to the Phone and Messages apps, such as Call Screening, in-message polls, and group Apple Cash payments.

Additional highlights in iOS 26 include AutoMix in Apple Music for seamless transitions between songs, visited place tracking in Maps, and redesigned Wallet boarding passes with Live Activities integration.