Apple has released the eighth developer beta version of iOS 26, with the upcoming iPhone software update expected to launch in about a month. The redesigned iOS 26 is described as delivering a “stunning new design” and featuring powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities.
The latest beta includes several design tweaks, such as improved legibility in Control Center and better menu organization in Safari. Accessibility options have also been strengthened with added borders in High Contrast Mode.
Notable changes include the introduction of opaqueness to some tab bars and new wallpaper colors, although these tweaks were later reverted in a previous beta. Notification summaries for news and entertainment apps have been reintroduced after being paused due to complaints about altering headlines.
The latest beta also addressed user feedback by bringing back the Select button in Mail and adding a toggle to revert to classic Camera mode swipe direction.
As the final developer beta build, it is expected to coincide with an upcoming public beta 5 release. The new software update will be compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11, and up, while iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max will receive security updates only after reaching iOS 18.
Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 family model. Users can expect more changes to be listed on the 9to5Mac website as they become available.
In related news, Apple has partnered with other companies to offer various accessories, including an AirTag, a Beats USB-A to USB-C Cable, and a Wireless CarPlay Adapter.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/25/ios-26-beta-8