iOS 26.1 beta 2 is now available for developers, arriving two weeks after the first beta with several refinements and reversals ahead of the public release. The update focuses on improving usability, restoring some multitasking functionality on iPad, and fine-tuning the Liquid Glass design introduced with iOS 26.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what iOS 26.1 beta 2 brings to iPhone and iPad.
Alarms and timers
Apple has redesigned how alarms and timers are dismissed on iPhone. Instead of tapping to stop, users now need to slide to stop an alarm or timer from the Lock Screen. This new gesture is meant to prevent accidental dismissals when trying to snooze an alarm. You can still tap to snooze, but stopping the alert now requires a more intentional swipe.
The change applies to both alarms and timers in the Clock app, creating a more consistent and deliberate experience for users who rely on timed alerts.
Background security improvements
In Settings > Privacy & Security, there is now a toggle to download and install security improvements in the background automatically. This replaces the Rapid Security Responses system and ensures that minor security patches are seamlessly installed as they become available, without needing user approval each time.
Fitness app
The Fitness app on iPhone now allows users to create custom workouts. You can set the workout type, target Active Calories, duration, effort level, and start time. This provides more control over daily fitness goals and adds flexibility to training plans directly within Apple’s native app.
Settings app
Apple has adjusted text and icon alignment across the Settings app. Section headers like General, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Accessibility are now left-aligned instead of center-aligned, matching the alignment seen in iOS 26 system apps. This subtle but consistent layout shift gives the interface a more modern, organized look.
Display settings
The Display & Brightness section now features iOS 26’s signature wallpaper design, replacing the older iOS 18 background. This helps unify the updated Liquid Glass aesthetic across system menus.
Home screen folders
When opening an app folder on the Home Screen, the folder name at the top is now left-aligned rather than centered. This change mirrors the visual alignment updates found throughout Settings, reinforcing a uniform UI language across iOS.
iPadOS 26.1 Slide Over
For iPad users, Slide Over multitasking has returned in iPadOS 26.1 beta 2. While the new window-based multitasking in iPadOS 26 replaced traditional views, users can now once again float a single app over their workspace for quick reference or multitasking. You can enter Slide Over by tapping the green window resizing button and selecting “Enter Slide Over.”
Although this version supports only one Slide Over app at a time, it reintroduces a familiar, efficient way to access multiple apps without leaving your current workflow.
External microphones on iPad
iPad users connecting an external microphone now have the option to adjust input gain directly from the Control Center input panel. There is also a new setting that lets users choose where local audio recordings are saved, offering better control for content creators and podcasters.
Liquid Glass refinements
Apple has made further adjustments to the Liquid Glass design introduced with iOS 26. The light refraction effects around app icons and interface elements are now slightly more subdued, especially when darker backgrounds are used. This makes icons appear clearer while maintaining the layered visual style.
Wallpaper setup
When setting a wallpaper, brief on-screen instructions like Pinch to Crop now appear momentarily and fade away automatically instead of staying visible throughout the process, creating a smoother and cleaner setup experience.
Display accessibility
A new Display Borders toggle has been added under Accessibility > Display & Text Size. When enabled, this feature outlines buttons with a clear border, replacing the older “Button Shapes” option. It enhances visual clarity for users who prefer more distinct on-screen elements.
Calendar app
The Calendar app’s full-color event backgrounds introduced in beta 1 have been removed. Events now return to their original iOS 26 design, which uses more subtle color indicators. This change improves visual readability and brings back the familiar layout many users preferred.
Photos app
The Photos app receives a minor UI adjustment when managing multiple selected photos. The Play as Slideshow, Favorite, and Hide options have been moved to the top of the menu for easier access, streamlining photo management actions.
