Apple Unveils iOS 26 Public Beta with New Battery Features, iPhone 17 Air Battery Images, and Fall Release

Apple has released the public beta version of iOS 26, which includes numerous new features and settings that were not disclosed during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The update is described as Apple’s most popular beta to date by CEO Tim Cook. Among the additions are a new Battery feature designed to help conserve power on iPhones, and enhancements to iPadOS 26 that make certain settings more essential. The iOS 26 update also introduces liquid glass visuals and other subtle improvements. Concurrently, images have surfaced of the iPhone 17 Air’s battery encased in steel, suggesting design changes in the upcoming device. Apple’s recent earnings surpassed Wall Street expectations, and the company’s developments continue to generate attention ahead of the full iOS 26 release scheduled for this fall.