Apple’s iOS 26 Beta 5 and Beyond

Apple has released the fifth developer beta for its 2025 operating systems, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, on August 5, 2025. These updates continue to refine the “Liquid Glass” design language introduced at WWDC 2025, alongside performance optimizations and bug fixes as Apple prepares for the anticipated September launch. With the public beta already rolling out, Beta 5 brings incremental but meaningful changes to the iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices. Below, we explore what’s new in iOS 26 Beta 5, provide a comprehensive look at the build numbers, and highlight key features across the ecosystem.

What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 5?

The iOS 26 Beta 5 release, build 23A5308g, focuses on fine-tuning the user experience, addressing feedback from earlier betas, and enhancing system stability. Here are the key changes specific to iOS 26 Beta 5:

• Control Center Enhancements: Switching tabs in the Control Center now features “bouncier” animations, aligning with the dynamic Liquid Glass aesthetic for smoother and more engaging navigation.
• Apple Music and Notes “What’s New” Screens: New onboarding screens have been added to Apple Music and Notes, guiding users through recent updates or new features to improve app familiarity.
• Liquid Glass Refinements: Beta 5 continues to tweak transparency and reflection effects in response to feedback. After Beta 4 reintroduced bolder Liquid Glass elements in toolbars and notifications, Beta 5 enhances legibility and visual consistency in apps like Music and Photos.
• Battery and Performance Optimizations: Microstutters reported in apps like Apple Music in earlier betas have been addressed, with smoother app transitions and improved battery efficiency via Adaptive Power Mode tweaks.
• Bug Fixes and Stability: The Camera app and Control Center see reliability improvements, including better menu organization and accessibility enhancements like enhanced borders in High Contrast Mode.

These updates build on Beta 4’s changes, such as a refreshed Camera icon, dynamic wallpaper options, and improved notification legibility on the Lock Screen, ensuring a more polished experience.

Updates Across Other Platforms

Beta 5 brings parallel refinements to Apple’s other operating systems for a unified experience:

• iPadOS 26 (Build 23A5308g): Mirrors iOS 26’s updates, adding support for swiping between full-screen and windowed apps and a cursor-shaking feature to locate the cursor, similar to macOS.
• macOS 26 Tahoe (Build 25A5327h): Improves system stability for developers using Xcode 16.3 and refines Liquid Glass effects for better menu legibility, with updated notification designs.
• watchOS 26 (Build 23R5328g): Includes minor UI tweaks for notifications and app interactions, aligning with the ecosystem’s design language.
• tvOS 26 and HomePod Software 26 (Build 23J5327g): Enhances HomeKit integration and streaming performance with smoother UI transitions.
• visionOS 26 (Build 23M5311g): Refines Spatial Widgets and Personas for a seamless mixed-reality experience on Vision Pro.

Build Numbers for Beta 5

Key Features of iOS 26 and the Ecosystem

Beta 5 builds on earlier betas, with iOS 26 introducing transformative features:

• Liquid Glass Design: A translucent, glass-like UI that reacts to motion and content, creating a dynamic experience across apps and system elements.
• Phone App Upgrades: A unified layout for Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails, plus Call Screening and Hold Assist for managing calls.
• Messages Improvements: Screening for unknown senders, custom backgrounds, and poll creation enhance communication.
• Apple Intelligence: Includes Image Playground, Genmoji, and Visual Intelligence (on iPhone 15 Pro or newer), with expanded language support planned for late 2025.
• Home App and Maps Integration: Leaked code suggests new Home app features tied to Maps, potentially for smart home navigation or location-based automation.
• Passwords App Fix: A key fix improves reliability for credential management in the Passwords app.

Accessing Beta 5 and What’s Next

Developers can download Beta 5 through the Apple Developer Center or via over-the-air updates on enrolled devices. Public beta testers, who gained access to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 on July 24, 2025, can expect a Public Beta 2 soon. To join the public beta, visit beta.apple.com and back up your device, as betas may contain bugs.

With Beta 5, Apple is likely nearing the Release Candidate stage, signaling a mid-September 2025 launch alongside the iPhone 17 series. Developers should test apps with Xcode 16.3 to meet App Store submission requirements by April 24, 2025. Public beta testers can provide feedback to help polish the final release.

Final Thoughts

iOS 26 Beta 5 and its companion updates refine the ambitious Liquid Glass design while addressing performance and stability concerns. From bouncier Control Center animations to onboarding screens for Apple Music and Notes, these changes show Apple’s commitment to a cohesive user experience. As we approach the final release, the developer and public beta communities will help shape Apple’s ecosystem. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge!