The Beta That Keeps on Giving

iOS 26 isn’t done surprising us yet! Apple has just released the ninth developer beta of its highly anticipated iOS 26, following a string of eight previous beta versions. Get ready, because the much-anticipated official launch is just around the corner—in about two weeks!

What's New in iOS 26 Beta 9?

Apple promises that iOS 26 is set to deliver a breathtaking new design along with advanced Apple Intelligence features. Get excited for revamped Phone and Messages apps, and exciting updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet!

Highlights from Beta Versions!

From its initial beta, users have noticed significant enhancements. Beta 2 brought visual improvements like better legibility in Control Center and organized menu layouts in Safari. Accessibility got a boost too, with improved High Contrast Mode options.

In Beta 3, Apple introduced some stylish new wallpaper colors while playing around with transparency effects in tab bars. However, feedback spurred changes, leading Beta 4 to revert some of those tweaks but maintain Notification Center’s signature transparency.

Next, Beta 5 featured multiple user-requested adjustments, including a restored Select button in Mail and a more familiar Camera mode swipe. Even more thrill was added in Beta 6 with speedier animations and new ringtones!

And don’t miss out on Beta 7’s exciting new ‘drafts’ section in Messages—perfect for those multitaskers!

Compatibility Check!

Is your iPhone ready to embrace the future? The iOS 26 update will work on iPhone SE (2nd generation) and models from iPhone 11 onward. If you own an iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max, you’ll be sticking with iOS 18—the last update you’ll get.

If you’re looking to indulge in the latest features and stunning design elements, it’s time to think about upgrading! But don’t worry, older models will still receive critical security updates for a while.

Stay Tuned for More!

We’ll keep you posted on every exciting change to iOS 26 right here at 9to5Mac, so stay connected! And share your thoughts with us at [email protected]!