iOS 18.6 Beta 3 Rolls Out, But Where Is the iOS 26 Public Beta?
Apple has started rolling out the iOS 18.6 Beta 3 update to iPhone users this week, but many are still eagerly waiting for the iOS 26 public beta to go live.
While iOS 26 public beta hasn’t launched yet, Apple continues to push out incremental iOS 18.6 beta updates. This week’s Beta 3 release could potentially be the final version in this cycle, as Apple gears up to begin public testing of iOS 26 later this month.
Interestingly, iOS 18.6 Beta 3 is the smallest beta update so far—suggesting Apple is now focused more on polishing and stabilizing the system rather than introducing new features.
iOS 18.6 Beta 3: What’s New?
So far, the iOS 18.6 beta updates haven’t delivered any major feature upgrades, and Beta 3 continues that trend. The update weighs in at just 762MB—a notable drop from previous builds that exceeded 10GB—indicating minor refinements and bug fixes rather than big changes.
Apple’s continued work on iOS 18.6 stability indicates that the final version should offer a smoother and bug-free experience for all users.
iOS 26 Beta: What to Expect
Once iOS 18.6 is finalized, all attention will shift to the iOS 26 public beta. The third developer beta of iOS 26 has already introduced a wave of new features and UI tweaks that are generating buzz.
One of the biggest highlights is the “Liquid Glass” interface that Apple showcased during the WWDC 2025 keynote. However, the latest beta suggests Apple is dialing back the heavy transparency effects, opting instead for a more subtle, frosted-glass look.
Users can also expect new customization options for the home and lock screens, including fresh wallpapers in styles and colors such as Shadow, Sky, Halo, and Dusk.
As always, Apple advises installing beta updates only on secondary devices, since beta versions can be unstable or buggy.
