On Tuesday, Apple issued its sixth developer beta of iOS 26, along with updates for iPads, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Mac, and other devices. As the software moves towards its September public release, changes become more subtle, but there are still some surprises. Beta 6 introduces new ringtones, resolves the Camera swiping controversy, offers a new startup experience, and includes other updates.
A notable addition is six new ringtones, all variations of the “reflection” tune, garnering attention on social platforms. Users are particularly excited about the “Dreamer” ringtone, praised as “hard,” “crazy good,” and “such a bop.” This might encourage some users to unmute their devices.
iOS 26 beta 6 also addresses the Camera app’s controversial change.
There was backlash regarding how the Camera app’s mode switcher responded to touch, reversing the previously familiar scroll direction shared with other Apple apps, disrupting users’ muscle memory. In beta 5, Apple responded with a Settings toggle granting a return to “Classic Mode.” However, in beta 6, Apple reverted the scroll direction to its original state, removing the toggle.
Other significant updates include snappier transitions and new animations for opening and closing apps.
Liquid Glass, Apple’s updated user interface, continues to be refined for improved readability and enhanced “glassiness.” The latest refinements include more color dispersion when navigating an app’s tabs with the clear, magnifying selector. The Lock Screen and toggles now also feature Liquid Glass effects.
A new onboarding experience also accompanies the OS update, showcasing Liquid Glass and features like dark and clear icons and redesigned app interfaces.