Apple unveils public betas for next-gen Liquid Glass software
▼ Summary
– Apple has released public beta versions of its next-gen operating systems, featuring the new Liquid Glass UI, the biggest design update since iOS 7 in 2013.
– All new operating systems are labeled as version 26, marking a shift to a year-based numbering system for consistency across Apple’s platforms.
– VisionOS 26 is not available as a public beta; testing requires a developer beta, which may pose risks like instability or data loss.
– The Liquid Glass interface is still evolving, with significant tweaks in each developer beta, and final versions will be released in the fall.
– Early previews highlight iPadOS 26’s multi-windowed multitasking and some lesser-known macOS features.
Apple has officially launched public beta versions of its next-generation operating systems, introducing the revolutionary Liquid Glass interface across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. This marks the most significant design overhaul since iOS 7 debuted over a decade ago, signaling a bold new direction for Apple’s software ecosystem.
Breaking from tradition, Apple has unified its version numbering system, labeling all updates as version 26 instead of the expected iOS 19 or macOS 16. This streamlined approach aims to create consistency across devices, making it easier for users to track updates regardless of platform.
While most operating systems are available for public testing, visionOS 26 remains exclusive to developers, hinting at potential stability concerns. Early adopters should proceed with caution, developer betas often carry higher risks, including data loss or hardware issues. Apple’s decision to withhold a public beta suggests the software may still need refinement before wider release.
The Liquid Glass interface continues to evolve, with each developer beta introducing noticeable adjustments. Though final details remain under wraps until the official fall launch, early glimpses reveal promising enhancements. iPadOS 26 showcases an improved multitasking system with advanced window management, while macOS introduces several under-the-radar features that could reshape user workflows.
For now, testers can explore these changes firsthand, but major surprises likely await when the polished versions arrive later this year.
(Source: Ars Technica)
