Apple has just launched the seventh developer beta of iOS 26, with the official release expected in about a month.
What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 7?
This update promises a fresh design and enhanced features. Apple says iOS 26 will improve how we connect through the Phone and Messages apps and introduce updates to Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and CarPlay.
In previous betas, we noticed various design changes. For instance, beta 2 made the Control Center more readable and organized Safari menus better. The third beta added changes to transparency in tab bars, though beta 4 reversed some of these adjustments. Notification Center maintains its transparent look until fully expanded, which might still change before the final release.
Beta 4 also brought back notification summaries for news and entertainment apps after user concerns that the summaries sometimes misrepresented headlines. Then, beta 5 responded to feedback by reinstating the Select button in Mail and toggling the classic Camera mode.
Recent updates have also improved animation speed and added new ringtones, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Compatibility and Requirements
iOS 26 will support the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and newer models, but iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max users will need to stick with iOS 18. Notably, features relying on advanced Apple Intelligence will require devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or the latest iPhone 16 models.
User Reactions and Trends
As news of the beta spreads, users are sharing their experiences online. Many are excited about the new design, while others express frustration over losing certain features, such as the Camera swipe toggle. The conversation on social media shows that iPhone enthusiasts are eager for these updates, highlighting the impact of design on user experience.
As these updates roll out, they show Apple’s continued commitment to improving usability and design. Follow along on 9to5Mac for ongoing updates and changes in iOS 26.
