Apple introduced the first public beta of macOS 26, along with public betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26. These betas showcase Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language for its upcoming operating systems for various devices. Users can now test these upcoming versions before their official release. Additionally, iOS 26 Beta 4 developer build was also released earlier.
macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 Public Betas: What’s New
Mac users can now experience the macOS 26 public beta featuring the Liquid Glass design in the menu bar, dock, and widgets on the desktop. The Control Centre resembles that of iPadOS 26 and iOS 26, allowing Live Activities from iPhone apps to be mirrored to the menu bar.
The first macOS 26 public beta includes changes to the Spotlight app presented during WWDC 2025. It now displays results with filters for apps, files, shortcuts, and clipboard items. Users can leverage the Shortcuts app to apply cloud-based or on-device machine learning models in their shortcuts.
Key apps like Safari, Messages, Files, and FaceTime have been revamped with translucent glass-like effects in macOS 26 public beta. Messages now supports image backgrounds, and real-time translation is available in FaceTime and Messages.
All new features from recent iPadOS 26 developer betas are integrated into the first public beta. Users can access a similar menu bar as macOS, add file folders to the dock, and enjoy the new window management system. Live Activities are also supported in iPad with this update.
The inaugural watchOS 26 public beta for eligible Apple Watch models introduces the Workout Buddy feature for workout motivation. A new wrist flick gesture and the availability of the Notes app are other highlights of this update.
watchOS 26 features Liquid Glass elements in certain parts of the system, such as the Control Centre and passcode keypad. Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch users can download these betas, but they should be aware that these versions may have bugs and glitches, making it advisable to install them on secondary devices.
