Apple has released public beta 2 of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 to users enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program. The update follows the recent developer beta 2 and continues Apple’s October testing cycle for all major platforms.
Public beta 2 is aimed at improving performance and fixing early issues discovered since the launch of version 26. These interim betas rarely introduce new features, focusing instead on refining existing functionality and ensuring compatibility ahead of the official release later this month.
On iPhone and iPad, users can install iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 public beta 2 by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update after joining the beta program. This release brings minor refinements to Apple Intelligence and overall system stability, consistent with the developer version. Readers can revisit our coverage of iOS 26.1 beta 2for earlier update details.
macOS Tahoe 26.1 public beta 2 is available through System Settings > General > Software Update on compatible Macs. As seen in the macOS Tahoe 26.1 beta 2 update, Apple continues optimizing responsiveness, performance, and UI consistency across Mac models.
watchOS 26.1 public beta 2 can be installed via the Watch app on iPhone. This version likely includes reliability updates for features like the new Notes app, smart gestures, and health metrics introduced in watchOS 26. Users can review watchOS 26.1 beta 2 for reference on previous build changes.
For Apple TV, tvOS 26.1 public beta 2 can be downloaded through Settings > System > Software Updates, while visionOS 26.1 public beta 2 is available to Vision Pro developers and testers. Both versions are focused on stability, app performance, and background reliability rather than new visual updates.
Apple’s current beta cycle might continue until end of October. If testing remains stable, the final public release could arrive before the end of October, probably with the new iPad models. As always, users who prefer full reliability should wait for the final version instead of installing beta software on primary devices.
