The initial beta release of Apple’s iOS 26 faced harsh criticism, leading some to dismiss it entirely. However, this reaction is premature. Judging a software update based on its first beta version is often misleading, as history has shown.
Personally, I believe that users should avoid installing beta software on their iPhones, especially when it’s an initial release following the WWDC keynote. Despite my own advice, I sometimes succumb to the temptation, rationalizing that the betas are essential for my work. Unfortunately, even I was unable to endure iOS 26 beta 1 due to its poor performance, prompting me to revert to iOS 18.5 shortly after its release.
While iOS 26 beta 1 was indeed problematic, particularly with its challenging Liquid Glass design, it’s crucial to remember that this is merely an early release of a major update. This redesign is similar to what occurred during the rollout of iOS 7, which also encountered significant issues. Therefore, reactions filled with outrage, such as claims that Apple is failing or that its designers have lost direction, seem excessively dramatic.
Following the beta’s launch, many users quickly reported their frustrations with problems like poor visibility in Notification Center, sluggish performance on devices, and various functionality issues. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that this beta is not ready for extensive public use, as its broader rollout will occur with later beta versions. The history of iOS updates indicates that improvements will emerge over time.
Just as iOS 7 evolved from its rocky beginnings, iOS 26 is expected to benefit from user feedback and subsequent updates. Already, beta 2 has shown signs of improvement, proving that the beta process is functional and effective. As we look forward to further versions, it’s vital to remember that initial impressions aren’t definitive.
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