iOS 26.1 Beta 2: Latest Features, Improvements, and Release Info

Screenshot of iOS 26.1 Beta 2 highlighting new features, performance updates, and release information

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26.1 Beta 2, following the initial beta release of iOS 26.1. This update introduces several subtle but useful changes, performance optimizations, and enhancements designed to improve the overall iPhone experience. Here’s a complete guide to what’s new and what to expect.

Key Features in iOS 26.1 Beta 2

Updated Text Selection Menu: Selecting text is now smoother with a new menu layout that is easier to access via swiping, replacing the old multi-step method.
Refined Lock Screen Album Art: Album artwork now stays fixed when swiping up from the lock screen, creating a more polished unlock animation.
Apple Watch Update Interface: The Watch app now has a redesigned update screen to match the fresh iOS 26 look and feel.
Home Devices Control Center: Devices that are unresponsive now show a clear exclamation mark, making it easier to identify issues.

Performance & Battery Insights

Early tests of iOS 26.1 Beta 1 show strong performance, with Geekbench 6 scores of 2,986 for single-core and 7,79 for multi-core on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Battery life averages around 6.5 hours of screen-on time at 88% battery health. While this is decent, Apple is expected to improve battery efficiency in upcoming betas, particularly for older devices and models with smaller batteries.

Expected Release Schedule for iOS 26.1

Based on Apple’s beta release pattern, here’s the anticipated timeline:

Beta 2: October 6, 2025
Beta 3: October 13, 2025
Beta 4 / Release Candidate: October 20, 2025
Public Release: Expected between October 27 and November 3, 2025

Should You Update Your Device?

If you own a newer iPhone with good battery health, updating to iOS 26.1 Beta 2 is safe and provides smoother performance along with useful new features. For older devices, or if battery life is a concern, it may be wiser to wait for iOS 26.2, which promises additional optimizations and new features.

Conclusion

iOS 26.1 Beta 2 brings meaningful improvements, minor interface tweaks, and enhanced performance. While not a feature-packed update, it sets the stage for future releases like iOS 26.2. Users with newer devices can enjoy a smoother experience now, while those with older devices might benefit from waiting for the next major update.

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