apple has just released iOS 26 beta 2 to developers. This latest version of the upcoming iphone operating system introduces a notable addition: a brand new ringtone. While beta updates often focus on stability and fixes, this build includes user-facing changes, chief among them this fresh sound option.
The arrival of iOS 26 beta 2 signifies the ongoing progress of Apple’s summer beta program. Released approximately two weeks after the initial beta, this build incorporates feedback and refinements. Historically, Apple uses this testing period to fine-tune features and occasionally roll out new ones before the public release in the fall.
Beyond the Sound: What Else is New in iOS 26 Beta 2?
While the new ringtone grabs attention, iOS 26 beta 2 brings several other significant improvements. This update goes beyond simple bug fixes. It addresses core aspects of the user interface and adds functionality to key applications. Understanding these broader changes provides crucial context for the beta’s direction.
Beta 2 includes various design revisions, particularly concerning the prominent “Liquid Glass” aesthetic introduced at WWDC 2025. Several core apps and system functions also see meaningful updates. These collective changes demonstrate Apple’s commitment to refining the iOS 26 experience based on early testing.
Liquid Glass Refinements: Addressing Early Feedback
A major focus of iOS 26 beta 2 is improving the visibility and usability of the new Liquid Glass interface. Many users found the significant transparency in beta 1 challenging. Elements like Control Center buttons could be hard to distinguish against certain backgrounds.
Beta 2 tackles this by applying a stronger blur effect, especially within the Control Center. This enhancement makes buttons and sliders much easier to see and interact with. Similar subtle adjustments improve notification readability, although further tweaks might be needed depending on background colors.
Minor UI adjustments related to Liquid Glass continue. The Dock now aligns apps to the left if there are fewer than four icons. The “Parallax” display feature, creating depth with wallpaper and icons when tilting the device, is integrated in Beta 2. It was missing in the first build. A High Contrast Mode has been added, applying a border to Liquid Glass elements to boost visibility.
Key App Updates and Enhancements
Several core iOS applications receive attention in beta 2. Safari sees adjustments to its layout. The new tab button has moved from the top-left to the bottom-left corner, restoring its position from previous iOS versions. Safari’s “More Menu” also gets a reorganization into a cleaner vertical list, improving usability.
The App Store is enhanced with a dedicated Accessibility page on product listings. Developers can now detail which accessibility features their app supports. This provides users with crucial information before downloading. The Wallet app now fully integrates the order tracking feature announced at WWDC 2025. Siri can scan Mail for order confirmations, automatically updating delivery status in Wallet. The Mail app supports sending shipping details to Wallet for this purpose.
Apple Music gains a new ‘Live Radio’ widget. This widget offers quick access to curated music selections directly from the Home Screen. The feature previously known as ‘Transcribe Calls’ is renamed ‘Save Call Transcripts’. Its description clarifies that the other party will be notified if the call is being recorded. Siri’s ChatGPT integration now displays usage limits and prompts users about upgrading for higher usage.
System-Level Improvements: Stability, Power, and Recovery
Beyond visual and app changes, iOS 26 beta 2 includes critical system-level improvements. User reports indicate significantly improved general stability and battery performance compared to beta 1. The update is described as much more stable and doesn’t cause devices to overheat during routine tasks.
The description for Low Power Mode has been updated. It now provides a detailed explanation of its functions and limitations. This includes specifics on how it temporarily reduces background processes, processing speed, display refresh rate, and limits features like 5G and iCloud syncing to conserve battery.
A significant new feature is the Recovery Assistant. This tool aims to help users troubleshoot frozen or non-booting iPhones directly on the device screen. It attempts diagnostics and provides resolution steps without requiring a computer. A notable enhancement is the option to restore your iPhone using another nearby iOS device or iPad. Beta 2 also includes a tool to facilitate transferring an eSIM directly to an Android phone by placing devices near each other. A ‘Detect Call Waiting’ toggle is added to Phone settings.
Accessibility Takes Center Stage
Accessibility features see notable improvements in beta 2. As mentioned, App Store product pages now clearly list supported accessibility tools like VoiceOver and Dynamic Text.
The “Reduce Transparency” setting is also made more effective. It now provides stronger interface fills and less of the glass-like haze. This significantly improves contrast and readability for users who prefer less transparent elements. These changes address concerns about UI clarity raised by early testers.
The New Ringtone: What It Is and How to Find It
Now, back to the headline feature: the new ringtone. This addition is a fresh audio option for iPhone users. It’s available as an alternative to the existing default ‘Reflection’ ringtone.
In iOS 26 beta 2, you can find this new sound within the Settings app. Navigate to the ‘Sounds & Haptics’ section. Inside, look for the ringtone selection area. The new tone is currently labeled ‘Alt 1’.
Users running the beta can select ‘Alt 1’ to hear and use the new sound. It’s listed alongside the standard ringtone collection. This provides a new auditory experience for those customizing their iPhone sounds.
What Does the New Ringtone Sound Like?
While I cannot play the sound, sources indicate it’s presented as a variation of the existing ‘Reflection’ ringtone. This suggests it might share some thematic elements or tonal qualities with ‘Reflection’. However, it’s distinct enough to be offered as a separate option. Users eager to hear it must be running iOS 26 beta 2 and select it from the settings.
The Speculation: Will ‘Alt 1’ Become the New Default?
The name ‘Alt 1’ suggests it might be a placeholder. Apple could rename it before the final release this fall. There is also speculation that this new ‘Alt 1’ sound could potentially become the standard default ringtone when iOS 26 ships publicly.
This decision would represent a significant change. The current default ‘Reflection’ has been in place for some time. Introducing a new default ringtone would update a fundamental aspect of the iPhone user experience for millions globally.
Beyond iOS: Hints of Future iPhone Hardware?
An interesting insight from analyzing the iOS 26 beta 2 code involves wallpapers. Code analysis reportedly reveals Apple is using a new wallpaper resolution in this beta. This discovery aligns with existing rumors regarding a purported iPhone 17 Air model expected later.
This finding is significant. It could be interpreted as potential confirmation of a new iPhone model launching this fall. The specific resolution matches leaks associated with the rumored iPhone 17 Air. Furthermore, the text suggests this might imply the iPhone 17 Plus model might not be released. This code discovery adds a hardware dimension to the beta 2 release, hinting at Apple’s future device plans alongside software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new ringtone called and where can I find it in iOS 26 beta 2?
The new ringtone added in iOS 26 beta 2 is currently labeled ‘Alt 1’. You can find it within the Settings app on your iPhone. Navigate to the ‘Sounds & Haptics’ section, then tap on ‘Ringtone’. The ‘Alt 1’ option should be listed there alongside other available ringtones for you to preview and select.
What other major changes are included in iOS 26 beta 2 besides the new ringtone?
iOS 26 beta 2 brings several notable changes. Key updates include refinements to the “Liquid Glass” interface with improved transparency and blur, particularly in Control Center, Safari UI adjustments, enhanced Wallet order tracking using Mail integration, a new Apple Music Live Radio widget, and significant stability improvements. It also introduces the Recovery Assistant feature for troubleshooting devices.
Does iOS 26 beta 2 hint at any new iPhone hardware?
Yes, analysis of the iOS 26 beta 2 code has revealed a new wallpaper resolution. This resolution reportedly matches rumors about a potential iPhone 17 Air model. This discovery is seen by some as possible evidence confirming the existence of this new iPhone model, and conversely, it might suggest that an iPhone 17 Plus model could be absent from the lineup this fall.
Conclusion
iOS 26 beta 2 is more than just a minor update; it’s a crucial step in Apple’s refinement of the next-generation iPhone software. The addition of a new ringtone, currently called ‘Alt 1’, is a small but noticeable change that could signal a potential shift in default sounds later this year. Beyond the ringtone, the beta addresses critical feedback on the Liquid Glass interface, boosts stability, introduces practical features like Wallet order tracking and Recovery Assistant, and even potentially hints at upcoming iPhone hardware like the iPhone 17 Air.
This beta release demonstrates Apple actively listening to developer and user feedback. Users currently testing iOS 26 beta 1 are strongly encouraged to update to beta 2 for improved stability and access to these new features. As the beta cycle progresses, we can expect further refinements and possibly more new additions ahead of the official public launch of iOS 26 this fall.
