Apple’s next big software upgrade is here — and iOS 26 Beta 3 is turning heads with refined visuals, thoughtful tweaks, and better stability. Released on July 7, 2025, iOS 26 Beta 3 is designed to polish the ambitious changes Apple introduced in earlier betas, giving early testers in the USA plenty to explore.
What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 3
One of the standout changes in iOS 26 Beta 3 is the Liquid Glass Design Adjustments. The highly transparent “Liquid Glass” UI, which drew mixed reactions, has been toned down. Navigation bars and backgrounds now have more opacity, improving text and button legibility. Many testers had found the extreme transparency distracting, so this change makes iOS 26 Beta 3 feel clearer and more user-friendly.
Fresh Wallpaper Color Options
Customization gets a big boost in iOS 26 Beta 3 too. The default wallpaper now comes in new color variants: Dusk, Halo, Shadow, and Sky, with stunning blue and purple shades. These new options also adapt beautifully in dark mode, giving iPhone users in the USA even more ways to make their devices stand out.
Improvements Beyond the iPhone
While iOS 26 Beta 3 is the highlight, iPad users also benefit from the broader update. iPadOS 26 Beta 3 introduces a clever way to locate the cursor — just shake it and it temporarily enlarges, just like on macOS. It’s a small but handy upgrade for multitaskers using Apple’s larger screens.
Subtle UI Fixes and Icon Tweaks
Refinements continue across the board. The iPhone dock now centers app icons properly when fewer than four are present — a small detail, but a welcome one. App icons like Photos and Files have received subtle saturation and color tweaks, making them easier to spot at a glance.
Bug Fixes and Build Details
Apple hasn’t ignored the bug fixes either. iOS 26 Beta 3 resolves an issue where iPads connected to external displays could unexpectedly sleep during active video calls — an annoying glitch now sorted out. The build number for iOS 26 Beta 3 is 23A5287g, and the download size varies by device. Some users have reported large downloads ranging from 9.5 to 11.7 GB, so be prepared for a bigger update than usual.
Polished and Ready for Public Beta
With these refinements, iOS 26 Beta 3 is widely seen as the final release candidate before the upcoming public beta. This means that Apple is closing in on the final version — making sure performance is solid, the interface is clean, and usability issues are ironed out.
Should You Try iOS 26 Beta 3?
If you’re in the USA and enjoy testing new features before everyone else, iOS 26 Beta 3 is worth a look. However, it’s still beta software, so bugs and unexpected issues can pop up. Always back up your iPhone before installing iOS 26 Beta 3, and consider using a secondary device if you rely heavily on your phone for work or travel.
To get started, join Apple’s Beta Software Program, download the beta profile, and update over the air. Don’t forget to share feedback through the built-in Feedback Assistant — Apple uses this input to perfect the final version.
Final Thoughts
From the revamped Liquid Glass design to new wallpapers and better stability, iOS 26 Beta 3 shows Apple’s commitment to listening to testers and refining the user experience. Whether you’re excited about visual tweaks, practical bug fixes, or just love having the newest features first, iOS 26 Beta 3 is shaping up to be one of the most polished beta releases yet.
Stay tuned for the public beta coming soon — and get ready for iOS 26 to hit your iPhone later this year!
