The latest iteration of iOS 26 Developer Beta 5 has brought along subtle design changes and updates to Apple's Liquid Glass design language. In this hands-on review, we take a closer look at the new features and improvements introduced in this beta release.
Design Changes in iOS 26 DB5
With the release of iOS 26 Developer Beta 5, Apple has made some noteworthy changes to the interface. The intensity of the Liquid Glass effect remains consistent with the previous beta versions, but there are subtle tweaks to icons, dock backgrounds, and animations.
One notable change is the new AirDrop icon, which sports a fresh design compared to its predecessor. The dock at the bottom of the screen also features a slightly frosted background, adding a refined touch to the overall look.
Additionally, the Control Center now showcases a dynamic "stretching" effect when pulled down, enhancing the user experience with a responsive animation.
Performance and Issues
Despite some lingering bugs in iOS 26 DB5, the performance has been commendable, akin to iOS 18.6. Apple has addressed some major issues, such as the Photos app bug, contributing to a smoother user experience.
While there are still minor bugs to iron out, Apple's focus on stability and bug fixes is evident in this beta release.
Conclusion
iOS 26 is gradually refining its design elements and enhancing performance with each beta release. As Apple continues to fine-tune the Liquid Glass design language, users can expect an improved and more user-friendly interface in the upcoming Public Beta versions.
