Beta testing for iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 is ramping up, with the third beta now available for those participating in Apple’s system software beta testing programs. Beta 3 arrives just a week after Beta 2, and Apple typically goes through several beta versions before releasing a final version to the general public.
The current third .1 beta versions of the OS 26 suite feature various refinements, enhancements, enhancements, bug fixes, and even reintroductions of some features that were previously removed in initial versions of OS 26.
For iPad, this is one of the most notable changes, with the iPadOS 26.1 beta bringing back Slide Over for multitasking as an option, a feature that was previously removed in favor of the new window-based system.
For iPhone, iOS 26.1 beta adjusted the alarm clock so that it has a “Slide to Stop” feature to turn off alarm clocks. Some users had complained that the previous design was too easy to accidentally put to sleep or disable the alarm. There are also some improvements and adjustments to the Liquid Glass interface and Liquid Glass on the keyboard.
For Mac there are probably also some tweaks, although nothing significant has been found yet.
It can be assumed that OS 26.1 updates will include numerous bug fixes and security updates for all devices it is compatible with.
How to download iOS 26.1 Beta 3 / iPadOS 26.1 Beta 3
For iPhones or iPads registered as beta devices:
- Open the “Settings” app on your device
- Go to “General” then go to “Software Update”
- Choose “Download and install for iOS 26.1 beta / iPadOS 26.1 beta 3.
How to download MacOS Tahoe 26.1 beta 3
For Macs registered as a beta testing device:
- In the Apple menu, go to “System Settings”
- Select “General”, then select “Software Update”
- Choose “Update Now” for MacOS Tahoe 26.1 Beta 3
Given that Apple goes through a handful of beta builds before releasing a final version, it’s a safe bet that iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 could release at the end of this month or next month. It’s also plausible that an interim update is coming to fix any pressing issues, which could be versioned as iOS 26.0.2.
The most recent stable versions available of Apple system software are currently iOS 26.0.1, iPadOS 26.0.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.0.1.
