- Apple has released the final iOS 26 beta to developer testers ahead of its big event on September 9
- While no new features have been added, Apple has carried out final bug fixes to improve performance and the overall user experience
- The final developer beta stages for iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26 are also out, which will all be rolled out publicly next week
Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 17 event is scheduled for September 9, and that means its operating system revamp is right around the corner and iOS 26 will very likely be finally released to the public. And with less than a week to go, the tech giant has just released the final developer beta stage for iOS 26.
When Apple hosted its WWDC event in June, it rolled out iOS 26 to registered developer beta testers, and marked the release of its eighth stage just last week. A month later iOS 26 public beta went live, and is currently in its sixth beta stage.
As mentioned, iOS 26 beta 9 will be the final chapter in Apple’s testing period where the last slew of updates will be tested before it’s rolled out widely next week. This also applies to other operating systems within the Apple ecosystem, and the final developer betas for iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26 have also been released – so what’s new?
No new features, but some much-needed bug improvements
As shared by Geeky Gadgets, iOS 26 beta 9 focuses on fine-tuning the overall user experience. Although Apple hasn’t launched any new features in its final developer beta stage, it’s used it as an opportunity to address and fix the latest bugs – especially when it comes to the performance factor.
Though I’ve only had access to the public beta, I’ve still encountered a number of issues regarding the smoothness of iOS 26. The latest developer beta tackles these raised issues, improving app launches and responsiveness, while making amends to iOS 26’s stability to prevent crashes – which the YouTube channel iDeviceHelp highlights.
As well as performance improvements, iDeviceHelp unveils minor design bugs that have been fixed, which includes the alignment of contact images in the Phone app. The creator also addresses the new Liquid Glass design, revealing that no major changes have been made and that Apple has seemingly finalized it.
Watch On
There’s no doubt that the official launch of iOS 26 will be one of the shining moments of Apple’s upcoming product event, after the unveiling of the iPhone 17 of course.
Additionally, there are three new Apple Watch models rumored to be announced as well as the new AirPods Pro 3 – but all won’t be official until September 9.