iOS 26 Public Beta 2 Now Available – Everything You Need to Know

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26 Public Beta 2, giving iPhone users around the world an early look at what’s coming later this year with the final release. The second public beta introduces performance refinements, bug fixes, and a deeper polish to the features that debuted in iOS 26, making it one of the most exciting updates in recent years.

If you’re curious about what’s new, which devices are supported, and how you can install the beta, here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know about iOS 26 Public Beta 2.

What’s New in iOS 26 Public Beta 2?

Refined AI Features with Apple Intelligence
Apple continues to push forward with its on-device AI system. Siri feels smarter and more natural in conversations, and text prediction is more accurate than ever. The second beta improves response times and reduces lag when using AI-driven apps.
Improved Lock Screen Customization
iOS 26 introduced deeper personalization options, and Beta 2 refines these features by adding smoother transitions, more widget placements, and additional font and color controls.
Performance Boosts
Apple has optimized animations and multitasking. Apps open slightly faster, and background tasks consume less battery. Benchmark testers have reported noticeable improvements compared to Beta 1.
Bug Fixes and Stability
Public Beta 1 had minor issues with notifications, CarPlay, and some third-party apps. Beta 2 resolves most of these bugs, making it safer for daily use, though Apple still warns that this is not final software.
Expanded Health & Fitness Features
With iOS 26, Apple doubled down on health tracking. The Fitness app now syncs faster with Apple Watch, and new reminders encourage healthier routines. Beta 2 smooths data syncing and improves UI responsiveness.
Privacy Enhancements
iOS 26 emphasizes user privacy with new app permission prompts and better tracking prevention in Safari. Beta 2 strengthens app background activity controls, giving users more transparency.

Supported Devices

Apple has maintained broad compatibility for iOS 26. If your iPhone runs iOS 25, it will support iOS 26. This includes:

iPhone 15 series
iPhone 14 series
iPhone 13 series
iPhone 12 series
iPhone 11 series
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer)

iPadOS 26 Public Beta 2 – Better Multitasking & Apple Pencil Features

Alongside iOS, Apple pushed iPadOS 26 Public Beta 2. While it shares many features with iOS 26, the iPad build brings unique enhancements:

Stage Manager upgrades – smoother multitasking and better window resizing.
Apple Pencil improvements – reduced latency and more intuitive Quick Notes integration.
Refined lock screen widgets optimized for larger displays.
Performance & stability updates for demanding apps like Procreate and Final Cut Pro for iPad.

Supported iPads include:

iPad Pro (M4, M2, M1, A12Z, A12X)
iPad Air (M2, M1, 5th & 4th gen)
iPad (10th, 9th, 8th gen)
iPad mini (6th gen and newer)

AirPods Beta Firmware – Smarter Audio Experiences

In addition to iOS and iPadOS, Apple rolled out new AirPods beta firmware for testers. This release enhances the audio experience with:

Adaptive Audio refinements for smoother switching between noise cancellation and transparency.
Personalized Volume improvements that automatically adjust based on your environment.
Better Spatial Audio sync with iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
Bug fixes that improve connection stability when switching between Apple devices.

The update is available for AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), AirPods Max, and AirPods 3, with full public release expected later this year.

How to Download iOS 26 Public Beta 2

Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program on Apple’s official website.
Sign in with your Apple ID on the iPhone you want to update.
Download the beta profile and install it in Settings > General > Software Update.
Once installed, your device will reboot into iOS 26 Public Beta 2.

⚠️ Important Note: Since this is still beta software, Apple recommends installing it on a secondary device. Some apps may not work as expected, and occasional crashes may occur.

Should You Install It Now?

If you’re eager to test Apple’s latest features and don’t mind the occasional bug, Public Beta 2 is stable enough for most users. However, if you rely on your iPhone for critical tasks, you may want to wait until the official release this fall.

iOS 26 Public Beta 2 shows that Apple is on track to deliver a refined, AI-powered, and highly customizable mobile experience. With smarter Siri, improved lock screen personalization, better battery efficiency, and enhanced privacy, iOS 26 looks to be one of the strongest iPhone updates yet.

The official release is expected later this year, likely alongside the iPhone 16 lineup. Until then, Public Beta 2 offers an exciting glimpse into the future of iOS.

Update, August 15: Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what’s available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor.

Update, August 13: Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta.

Update, August 11: Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6.

Update, August 8: Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods.

Update, August 6: Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center.

Update, August 4: Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival.

Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26.

Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available.

Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available.

Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta.

Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.

Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2.