Apple has released iOS 26.1 beta 2 update, introducing a series of improvements aimed at refining its signature Liquid Glass design and improving the overall user experience. This update brings a thoughtful balance between aesthetic upgrades and functional improvements, focusing on interface design, animations, app-specific features, and customization options. Below is a detailed exploration in a new iReviews video of the most notable changes, ensuring you stay informed about what this update has to offer.
Liquid glass design: cleaner, more unified and more adaptable
The Liquid Glass design, characteristic of Apple’s visual identity, has been further refined in iOS 26.1. This update introduces distinct borders to key interface elements including the settings menu, dock, control center, lock screen, and passcode buttons. These boundaries reinforce clarity and navigationfacilitating interaction with the interface. For users who prefer a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic, the new “Show Borders” option in the Accessibility settings allows you to turn these borders on or off, providing greater control over the appearance of your device.
The Liquid Glass effect now integrates seamlessly into additional areas of the operating system, such as wallpapers, writing tools, and other interface components. This creates a consistent visual theme which combines functionality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring a consistent and refined experience across all elements of iOS.
Smoother animations for a smooth experience
Animations in iOS 26.1 have been carefully adjusted to provide a smoother and more engaging user experience. Menus, app transitions and pop-ups are now available improved motion effectscreating a sense of continuity and flow as you navigate the system. Additionally, app icons now display a subtle bounce effect during transitions, adding a dynamic touch to interactions. These improvements not only improve the visual flow, but also make the operating system more responsive and intuitive.
Application-specific updates: simplified usability
Several core apps received targeted updates to align with broader design improvements, improving their usability and functionality:
- Photos app: Screenshots now display full screen, with UI elements repositioned for easier access and editing.
- App store: Account section arrows now feature a more visible blue color, improving navigation clarity and making key sections easier to locate.
- Calculation application: The deeper integration of Liquid Glass design elements gives the app a cleaner, more modern appearance, improving its overall usability.
These updates are designed to simplify everyday tasks, ensuring that interactions with these applications are more intuitive and efficient.
Wallpaper Customization: Improved customization options
Personalization remains a key focus in iOS 26.1, with significant updates to wallpaper customization features. THE pinch animation to crop has been refined, providing smoother and more precise interactions when adjusting wallpapers. Additionally, new icons have been introduced to make the editing process more intuitive, allowing users to easily navigate customization options.
The extended wallpaper functionality has also been updated with improved iconsensuring a seamless and visually consistent experience when selecting and editing wallpapers. These changes allow users to personalize their devices more effectively, creating a tailored experience that reflects their preferences.
Subtle improvements for everyday use
Beyond the core features, iOS 26.1 includes several smaller but impactful updates that improve the overall usability of the operating system:
- THE toggle silent mode now turns red when activated, providing a clearer and more immediate visual indicator of the status of your device.
- Edit mode app icons are now available lighter tint colorsimproving visibility and making it easier to distinguish between active and inactive elements during personalization.
These thoughtful adjustments may seem minor, but they contribute to a more refined and user-friendly experience, ensuring that even the smallest details are optimized for convenience and clarity.
A refined evolution of iOS
The iOS 26.1 Beta 2 update represents a thoughtful evolution of Apple’s design philosophy, combining aesthetic refinements with practical improvements. By elevating the Liquid Glass interface, optimizing animations, and introducing targeted app improvements, Apple continues to prioritize functionality and visual appeal. Whether you explore updated customization options, enjoy smoother transitions, or benefit from subtle usability changes, this update is designed to make your interactions with iOS more engaging, intuitive, and enjoyable.
Master liquid glass design improvements with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides.
Source and image credit: iReviews
Filed under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides, Top News
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