Apple has released iOS 26 public beta 3 and iPadOS 26 public beta 3, giving public beta testers access to the latest round of updates following developer beta 6 earlier today. This release continues Apple’s focus on polishing performance, enhancing stability, and fine-tuning new features introduced in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 ahead of their official launch this fall.
The public beta program allows non-developers to test pre-release software and provide feedback to Apple. Public beta 3 builds on the refinements made in the earlier developer betas, with small but important interface changes, bug fixes, and optimizations designed to improve day-to-day use. This stage of beta testing is critical, as Apple works to ensure compatibility across a wide range of devices and to resolve issues that have been reported by both developers and public beta users.
While major features were introduced in earlier betas, public beta 3 continues to refine them. iOS 26 includes the redesigned lock screen customization options, new interactive widgets, and improved notification grouping. iPadOS 26 expands on these changes with additional multitasking enhancements, refinements to Stage Manager, and better Apple Pencil hover support. In both operating systems, Apple has made adjustments to system animations, optimized battery usage for certain device models, and addressed UI inconsistencies noted in previous beta feedback.
Performance and stability are a clear priority at this stage. Early reports from testers indicate smoother scrolling in system apps, faster app launch times, and fewer crashes when using resource-heavy features. Safari’s rendering engine has also seen minor improvements, which should improve responsiveness when loading complex webpages. Additionally, the Music and Photos apps have received subtle UI updates to make navigation more intuitive.
Public beta testers should remember that pre-release software can still contain bugs and performance issues. Some third-party apps may not yet be optimized for iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, and features could change before the final release. Apple recommends backing up your device before installing the beta to avoid data loss.
The official launch of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 is expected in September, likely following Apple’s annual iPhone event. Until then, public beta updates will continue to roll out every one to two weeks, incorporating fixes and refinements based on tester feedback. This collaborative process between Apple and its beta users helps ensure a stable and feature-rich final release for millions of devices worldwide.
