Apple has launched the eighth developer beta of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, marking another step toward the official release expected in September .
Final testing phase
The update comes just a week after the seventh beta and signals that Apple is entering the final stretch of testing. Historically, Apple aligns major software releases with its annual iPhone launch event, making the timing of this update consistent with previous years. Developers and testers can now access build 23A5330a for iOS and iPadOS, build 25A5349a for macOS Tahoe, and build 23R5350a for watchOS, among others .
Key features and improvements
iOS 26 introduces major enhancements such as a redesigned camera app, a new battery management system, and deeper ChatGPT integration. AirPods users also gain feature updates that improve audio controls and connectivity. The update continues Apple’s push for a more seamless ecosystem across devices .
MacOS Tahoe 26 brings new tools to boost productivity, including a native Phone app, Clipboard History, and an improved Spotlight search. iPadOS 26 emphasizes multitasking with upgrades to the Files app, window management, and a better Preview tool.
One of the most notable design changes across all platforms is the new Liquid Glass aesthetic, which applies transparent, layered visuals to apps and menus, creating a more modern look .
What’s next
Apple warns users not to install beta versions on their primary devices, citing potential risks such as data loss and instability. Instead, the company encourages non-developers to use the public beta program.
The official release of iOS 26 and its companion operating systems is expected within weeks, likely debuting alongside Apple’s new iPhone models in September. Until then, developers will continue to test and refine the builds to ensure a smooth launch .
