- Apple released iOS 26 Beta 2 with key improvements to its new Liquid Glass interface, addressing early user concerns about readability and usability.
- The Control Center now features increased background blur, making buttons and sliders easier to see against the semi-transparent background.
- Notifications have been slightly sharpened for better readability, though further refinements may still be needed.
- Beta 2 also adds new features like an Accessibility section in the App Store, iCloud sync for the Journaling app on iPad, order tracking in Apple Wallet, and a new Apple Music Radio widget.
Apple has released iOS 26 Beta 2, bringing a wave of visual and functional improvements to the newly introduced Liquid Glass interface.
First unveiled earlier this month during WWDC 2025, Liquid Glass aims to redefine the user experience with a modern aesthetic inspired by the properties of real glass, such as translucency and the way light refracts through surfaces.
However, the initial response from developers and early testers was mixed. While the design was praised for its boldness and ambition, many users pointed out several usability issues, particularly when it came to clarity and readability.
Control Center Gets Much-Needed Clarity
One of the biggest complaints about the first beta was the redesigned Control Center. Because of its semi-transparent appearance, users found it difficult to distinguish the buttons and sliders from the content visible beneath it, such as Home Screen icons and widgets.
In Beta 2, Apple has made a noticeable change by adjusting the background blur in the Control Center.
This update helps to obscure the underlying content more effectively, making the interface easier to use without losing the signature glass-like effect that Apple is aiming for. Early testers have reported that the improvement significantly enhances usability without sacrificing the modern design language.
Notifications Improved, But Still Need Work
Notifications were another pain point in the first beta. Many users struggled to read them clearly, especially on lighter or more colorful backgrounds. In the latest beta, Apple has sharpened the text slightly, making notifications easier to read at a glance. However, testers say that more adjustments may be needed to make them consistently legible in all lighting conditions.
While not a complete fix, the update shows Apple is actively listening to feedback and working to refine the interface based on real-world use cases.
New Features Enhance Functionality
Beyond the visual updates, iOS 26 Beta 2 introduces a handful of new features aimed at improving the overall user experience. A new Accessibility section has been added to product pages in the App Store, making it easier for users to understand how apps cater to different needs.
The Journaling app on iPad now supports iCloud sync, allowing for seamless cross-device usage. Apple Wallet also sees a practical update with the addition of order tracking capabilities. And for music lovers, a new Apple Music Radio widget offers quicker access to live radio stations from the Home Screen.
Apple Continues Iterative Improvements Ahead of Fall Launch
With iOS 26 expected to launch publicly in the fall, these updates signal that Apple is taking a thoughtful, iterative approach to rolling out its new design system. The Liquid Glass interface is a bold move, and while it may not be perfect yet, the refinements in Beta 2 suggest the company is serious about balancing aesthetics with usability.
More tweaks are likely in the coming months as Apple continues to fine-tune the operating system based on tester feedback. For now, Beta 2 offers a glimpse into the direction Apple is heading, and it’s clear they’re paying close attention to what users are saying.
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