The iOS 26 beta version, which is available now, ahead of the general release, differs slightly from the general release. The beta phase gathers feedback, which Apple uses to repair bugs and address any user interface issues before the software is widely distributed.
Beta versions can also be incomplete and are not the final product. This means the iOS 26 developer and public betas are more prone to bugs, glitches, and instability.
Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before upgrading to iPhone 17)
The general release will have ironed out most of these bugs and problems using the user feedback gathered during the beta phase, delivering software that isn’t as prone to issues. However, they can still happen.
For example, in the 2023 iOS 17 beta, Apple moved the in-call “End” button from its familiar center position to the right. After beta testers voiced frustration, Apple restored the button to the center before the public release.
