Apple has rolled out iOS 26 Developer Beta 6, arriving just a week after Beta 5, and it’s clear Cupertino is locking in the final touches before the big September release.
The standout here? The Liquid Glass redesign finally feels settled-gone are the wild fluctuations in translucency from earlier betas. Apple has chosen a balanced, mellow transparency that keeps things sleek without being overbearing.
The most noticeable tweak is a fresh opening animation for dock apps, lifted from iPadOS 26’s debut. It’s subtle, smooth, and gives the impression of quicker launches, even if the speed hasn’t technically changed. Alongside this, there’s a refined glass shimmer parallax effect across the UI, making everything feel just a touch more alive. Transparent widgets have been retuned to look sharper and ‘glassier,’ ditching the hazy gray look from before.
Sound lovers get a treat with six new ringtones-fresh takes on the classic Reflection tone, each offering a distinct flavor while keeping the familiar theme. Apple’s also slipped in a stylish ‘Welcome’ splash screen at the end of the iPhone setup, perfectly matching the Liquid Glass vibe to set the stage for the new aesthetic.
Overall, iOS 26 DB6 feels more consistent and polished compared to the earlier betas, which often shifted design choices week to week. That said, performance hiccups, minor glitches, and beta-only bugs still linger, so the Public Beta remains the safer choice if you want to try it now. With just weeks to go before the final rollout, Apple’s clearly aiming to deliver a refined, visually cohesive update that makes your iPhone feel fresh again.