Apple has begun distributing the iOS 26.1 Developer Beta 2 for iPhone users, aiming to fine-tune the iOS 26 experience for those eligible.
Following the initial release of the iOS 26.1 Developer Beta on September 24, 2025, the company has now launched the second developer beta version. Rather than introducing significant changes, this update emphasizes practical improvements and subtle refinements.
iOS 26.1 Developer Beta 2 Introduces Minor Enhancements
Nearly a month after the stable release of iOS 26, Apple has rolled out the second developer beta for iOS 26.1, updating the build identifier from 23B5044l to 23B5059e. This new beta brings subtle improvements to the user interface and overall system performance on devices that support iOS 26.
With the initial iOS 26.1 Developer Beta, Apple introduced support for several new languages in Apple Intelligence, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese. The second beta is expected to carry over these language enhancements as well.
Other notable updates from the beta include Liquid Glass effects on the Apple Keyboard, an expanded Safari tab bar, a redesigned seek bar in the Photos app, refinements in Apple Music, and additional subtle improvements across the system.
Developers eligible for the beta can install iOS 26.1 Public Beta by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update > Update Now. Apple is also anticipated to release the second developer beta versions for iPadOS 26.1, macOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 in the near future.
