iOS 26 Beta Review Roundup: First Reactions to Apple’s Liquid Glass Revolution

The recently-released iOS 26 public beta is attracting excitement and critique following Apple’s unveiling of iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 on June 9. With its stunning “Liquid Glass” redesign and AI-powered features, the public beta, released in July 2025, has sparked a wave of reactions from early adopters.

From sleek visuals to performance hiccups, we’ve scoured verifiable sources, including X po

sts and tech reviews, to bring you a comprehensive breakdown of what users and experts are saying about this bold iPhone update in this iOS 26 beta review roundup.

What Is the iOS 26 Public Beta and Its Key Features?

Apple’s iOS 26 introduces a translucent “Liquid Glass” interface, the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7, inspired by visionOS. It features real-time rendering for dynamic highlights, revamped apps like Messages and Phone, and AI enhancements like live call translation.

The public beta, available since mid-July 2025 via beta.apple.com, supports iPhone 11 and later. Users praise the futuristic aesthetic but note its demanding performance.

The design emphasizes translucency across icons, widgets, and menus, aiming for an immersive experience.

New features include typing indicators for group chats, lyric translations in Apple Music, and a customizable Lock Screen.

However, Apple Intelligence features, like an advanced Siri, are delayed, with more details expected later in 2025.

How Are Users Reacting to the iOS 26 Beta’s Design?

The Liquid Glass aesthetic has polarized users. Many on X, like @TechKhaled_, call it “futuristic and bouncy” but flag laggy notifications, especially on the Lock Screen.

@sondesix noted readability issues due to excessive transparency replacing blur effects, impacting visibility.

Conversely, tech outlets like ZDNET praise the “expressive and personal” interface, highlighting its depth and motion in apps like Photos and News.

Some users, such as @AnxiousHolly, report the beta stabilizing after initial stuttering, with the new ergonomics, like a bottom-placed search bar, earning praise.

However, @rickyedit criticized the design as a departure from Apple’s minimalist roots, calling animations “exaggerated” and menus unpolished. The mixed sentiment suggests a bold but divisive shift.

What Are the Performance and Battery Life Concerns?

Performance issues dominate early feedback. X users like @SarahRogue81 warn against installing the beta on primary devices, citing severe battery drain, overheating, sluggishness, and charging issues, with some devices stopping at 65%.

@miayambrokoli echoed this, noting frequent app crashes and lag, especially on older models like the iPhone 13.

Tech sites, such as MacRumors, confirm these reports, with a revised developer beta addressing battery issues for iPhone 15 and 16 models.

@rudrankriyam advised carrying power banks, as Low Power Mode is “unrealistic” for daily use. Despite improvements by Beta 2, battery life remains a pain point for many.

How Stable Is the iOS 26 Public Beta?

Stability is a mixed bag. @aaronp613 described Beta 1 as “very laggy and buggy,” typical for early builds. However, @AnxiousHolly noted reduced stuttering after a few days, suggesting incremental improvements.

TechRadar’s hands-on impressions found the beta functional but cautioned non-developers against installation due to unfinished features.

Apple’s developer-focused beta, available since June 9, was rougher, but the public beta benefits from additional polishing.

Still, users report occasional overheating, particularly when changing wallpapers or using resource-heavy apps, indicating optimization is ongoing.

What Are the Standout Features Users Love?

Despite issues, several features shine. The redesigned Camera app, with translucent menus, is a hit for its focus on content, per Front Page Tech mockups. Live translation for calls and Messages is lauded for practicality, with CNBC TV18 calling it a step toward a “more personal” iPhone.

The Games app, integrating Apple Arcade and leaderboards, has excited gamers, as noted by The Times of India.

X users also appreciate the customizable Lock Screen and animated album art in Apple Music. These “streamlined daily experiences,” as ZDNET puts it, give users reasons to stick with Apple’s ecosystem, even amid beta growing pains.

What Are the Criticisms Beyond Performance?

Beyond bugs, some users question the design’s coherence. The Economic Times reported a “meltdown” on X, with memes mocking Liquid Glass as a battery-killer on older devices like the iPhone 13. @rudrankriyam suggested dark wallpapers to mitigate visibility issues, hinting at design flaws.

Others, like @rickyedit, feel the aesthetic strays from Apple’s brand identity.

Siri’s delayed AI upgrades, as confirmed by Apple’s Craig Federighi, disappointed users expecting WWDC 2024 promises to materialize.

The Verge noted Apple’s cautious approach to avoid “embarrassment,” but this has left some feeling the beta lacks promised intelligence.

When Will iOS 26 Be Stable for Everyone?

The public beta is a work in progress, with a stable release expected in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 series. Apple typically refines betas over summer, with public beta 2 likely in August.

Engadget suggests waiting for the official launch for a polished experience, as developer feedback continues to shape updates.

For now, non-developers are advised to avoid the beta on daily drivers. MacRumors emphasizes that more beta testers improve data for developers, but caution is key. The final version will likely address battery, performance, and readability concerns.

Highlights of iOS 26 Public Beta  

• Release Date: Public beta launched mid-July 2025; stable release in September 2025.

• Key Feature: Liquid Glass design with translucent, dynamic interface.

• Standout Apps: Redesigned Camera, Messages with live translation, and new Games app.

• Performance Issues: Battery drain, overheating, and lag reported, especially on older iPhones.

• Stability: Improving but buggy; not recommended for primary devices.

• Supported Devices: iPhone 11 and newer.

• AI Features: Live call translation available; advanced Siri delayed.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The iOS 26 Beta Review Roundup reveals a bold but bumpy start for Apple’s latest iPhone update. The Liquid Glass design and innovative features like live translation excite users, but battery drain and performance issues temper enthusiasm.

As Apple refines the beta for its September 2025 launch, early adopters are helping shape a promising future.

Stay tuned for updates, and share your thoughts on X—will iOS 26 redefine the iPhone experience?