Apple has released iOS 26 beta 9 and iPadOS 26 beta 9 to developers, pushing the operating systems closer to their final form ahead of the public rollout expected later this month. The updates arrive just a week after beta 8 and continue the company’s rapid testing cycle before the iPhone 17 event on September 9. Developers can install the latest builds through the Settings app once their devices are enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.
Both iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 represent some of the most significant software updates in recent years. They combine the new Liquid Glass design language with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered features, while also enhancing core apps, privacy protections, and system reliability. With beta 9, Apple is fine-tuning stability and app compatibility to prepare for the official release.
The standout visual change is the Liquid Glass interface, which brings layered, translucent elements across the Home Screen, Control Center, and system menus. Apple Intelligence adds tools such as live call translation, Genmoji creation, AI writing assistance, and Image Playground with ChatGPT support. Visual Intelligence extends to screenshot recognition, and Shortcuts now offer more advanced automation suggestions.
Core apps also gain major upgrades. The Phone app introduces call screening, Hold Assist, callback reminders, and extended call history. Messages supports scheduled send, Tapbacks, polls, typing indicators, and Apple Pay in group chats. FaceTime integrates on-device nudity detection, pausing video automatically when needed as part of Apple’s Communication Safety features. Apple Music debuts AutoMix and lyric translation, while Maps introduces encrypted visit logs and improved routing.
CarPlay gains interactive widgets and a compact call interface, Safari provides highlights and summaries, and a standalone Passwords app expands iCloud Keychain. Accessibility features such as Eye Tracking for iPad Pro models, improved Live Listen, and Braille support also roll out. Parents can rely on enhanced Communication Safety controls, while security improvements include quantum-secure TLS encryption, wired accessory permissions, blocked contact management, and Safari fingerprinting protection. iPadOS 26 brings the same updates as iOS 26, alongside multitasking refinements and better support for Apple Pencil interactions.
With the iPhone 17 launch around the corner, these latest betas indicate Apple is preparing the final software builds for release later this month. Developers are encouraged to ensure their apps are compatible before the updates roll out to all users.
