iOS 26 Beta 3 Released: Major Fixes and New Features

Apple has just rolled out iOS 26 Beta 3, addressing some critical issues and introducing exciting new features. For those on the iOS 26 beta track, the update is now available. To install it, simply head over to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions. While this is the third developer beta, you don’t need to be a developer to install it.

Public beta access for iOS 26 will be available mid-month, so stay tuned.

The most notable fix in this release is the resolution of a pesky bug that caused iPhones to fail to play ringtones when receiving calls. I personally encountered this issue on my iPhone 15 Pro Max, and I’m pleased to report that with this update, the ringtone issue has been completely fixed.

Another interesting addition is the new Visual Intelligence feature that enhances screenshot functionality. When you take a screenshot, two buttons-Ask and Image Search-will appear at the bottom corners of the screen. The Ask button allows you to ask questions related to the screenshot, while the Image Search button scans any images in the screenshot to find related information. This is a neat touch for those who often use screenshots for research.

Apple has also expanded its color palette for the default iOS wallpaper. In the previous beta, only a blue variant was available. However, with iOS 26 Beta 3, you can now choose from additional colors like Shadow, Dusk, Sky, and Halo, making it easier to personalize your device.

Battery life improvements are another highlight. iPhones running the beta now experience better battery efficiency, with some models also fixing the overheating and lagging issues that were prevalent in earlier beta releases.

As for the final stable release of iOS 26, we can expect it to arrive around September, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup. In the meantime, beta testers can look forward to more features and bug fixes with each new update. But remember, installing beta software on your primary device can come with risks, such as losing important features-like the ringtone bug we just mentioned. As always, be cautious if you’re running beta software on your daily driver.

Overall, this update is a step in the right direction, with the promise of more improvements to come.