The third developer betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 have been released, bringing some notable updates to the platforms. Users can now find their cursor more easily on the iPad, enjoy a new selection of wallpaper colors, and experience various visual enhancements.
This release comes two weeks after the second developer beta and raises the build number to 23A5287g, a slight increase from the previous 23A5276f. While iOS 18 was predominantly focused on Apple Intelligence features, iOS 26 debuts with a new design language known as “Liquid Glass.”
This design mimics the appearance of real glass, replacing the flat aesthetic that has characterized Apple’s interfaces since iOS 7. Additionally, iOS 26 introduces a dedicated Games app and makes improvements to the Image Playground, Shortcuts, as well as new functionalities for the Messages and Phone apps.
The update also includes a Foundation Models framework, which allows developers to utilize Apple Intelligence tools in third-party applications. One of the most exciting visual changes is the addition of new color options for the default wallpaper, which now includes four variants: Dusk, Halo, Shadow, and Sky.
Dusk stands out with its pink and purple hues, while the previously introduced Sky is now recognized as the blue variant. Furthermore, the transparency of the Liquid Glass material in user interface elements has been toned down, resulting in a frosted effect that resembles earlier operating system designs.
Minor adjustments have also been made to the Home Screen, improving icon alignment in the Dock. Finally, the iPadOS 26 beta introduces a feature that allows the mouse cursor to enlarge when it is shaken, similar to a feature available in macOS for years.
Overall, while this beta release includes a few enhancements and visual updates, it lacks any major new features. However, with Apple’s regular updates, more changes are expected in future releases.
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