Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 26, has garnered exceptional attention, with CEO Tim Cook announcing it as the company’s most popular developer beta to date. During Apple’s recent quarterly earnings call, Cook highlighted the significant momentum across their platforms, stating, iOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26 are by far the most popular developer betas we’ve had.
This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors. Notably, two years ago, Apple eliminated the $99 annual fee for its Developer Program, allowing anyone with an Apple Developer account to access developer betas for free. This change has enabled a broader audience, including non-developers, to explore and install these betas. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/31/ios-26-developer-beta-most-popular-ever/?utm_source=openai))
A significant driver behind the heightened interest is the introduction of the Liquid Glass design in iOS 26. This new design language, influenced by visionOS, replaces the flat aesthetics introduced in iOS 7 with rounded, translucent elements that exhibit glass-like optical qualities, including refraction. These elements dynamically respond to motion, content, and user interactions, offering a more immersive and visually engaging experience. The design also marks a return to skeuomorphism reminiscent of iOS 6, as seen in the redesigned Camera app icon. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
The Liquid Glass design extends across Apple’s ecosystem, encompassing iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. This cohesive visual overhaul has piqued the curiosity of both developers and general users, prompting many to install the developer betas to experience the new interface firsthand. ([wccftech.com](https://wccftech.com/ios26-liquid-glass-beta-most-popular-developer-beta-ever/?utm_source=openai))
Beyond the visual enhancements, iOS 26 introduces several notable features:
– Messages App Enhancements: Users can now add backgrounds to conversations, conduct polls, and benefit from end-to-end encryption with RCS messaging. Group chats display typing indicators, and there’s an option to send money through Apple Cash within group chats. Additionally, messages from unknown senders are directed to a dedicated folder for easier management. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
– Apple Music Updates: The AutoMix feature automatically generates transitions between songs using Apple Intelligence. Users can view inline translations and pronunciation guides for song lyrics, enhancing the music experience. Integration with Apple Music Sing on tvOS allows iPhones to function as microphones, enabling participants to control karaoke sessions from their devices. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
– Home App Architecture: The Home app now exclusively supports the redesigned architecture introduced in iOS 16, phasing out support for the legacy system. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
– Games App Introduction: A new Games app provides a unified interface for accessing games from the App Store and Apple Arcade, along with Game Center social features. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
– Photos App Redesign: Responding to user feedback, the Photos app reverts to a tab-based interface, now featuring separate Library and Collections sections. Additionally, photos can be converted to spatial photos with a parallax-like effect. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
– Notes App Enhancements: The Notes app now supports recording and transcribing calls into notes, and introduces Markdown as a new export option. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
– Maps App Improvements: Utilizing on-device intelligence, Maps can determine a user’s most frequently traveled routes, offering automatic recall and notifications about potential delays and alternative paths. A new Visited Places menu leverages location history for personalized navigation. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
– Apple Wallet Features: The Wallet app now offers additional functionalities for boarding passes, including interior maps of airports and real-time flight information displayed as Live Activities. In the United States, users can add their digital passports to Wallet for convenient access. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_26?utm_source=openai))
The combination of the Liquid Glass design and these feature-rich updates has significantly contributed to the unprecedented popularity of the iOS 26 developer beta. As Apple continues to refine its operating systems, the enthusiasm surrounding these betas underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and user engagement.
