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iOS 26 Beta 6 ― Bug Fixes, Changes, and Improvements

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The first post of this thread is a WikiPost and can be edited by anyone with the appropiate permissions. Your edits will be public.
MrRom92 said:
Apple Devices IS official software, and I was told it works perfectly. There'd be nothing to rage about if that were actually the case

Apple Devices User Guide for Windows

On your Windows device, you can sync — set up, manage and add content — to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
support.apple.com support.apple.com
Click to expand...
In this case this actually isn't an Apple Devices issue. Installing x.0 iOS betas is not officially supported on Windows at all, iTunes or otherwise. Even on a Mac you need to first install the Xcode beta or macOS beta to install these updates via IPSW. In other words, the beta IPSW can't be installed with any of Apple's final release software.

You have to wait until iOS 26 support is added to public releases in order to test this.
 
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greg624 said:
Camera switching is classic, and no way to change it. I wish they would’ve left it but people love complaining.
Click to expand...
Keeping the same over and over again: some folks might complain

Changing things:some folks might complain

Offering options:some folks might complain

Removing newly introduced options during a beta phase: some folks might complain

In the end it’s all the same and will be forgotten a couple of days after the final release :)
 
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MrRom92 said:
Apple Devices IS official software, and I was told it works perfectly. There'd be nothing to rage about if that were actually the case

Apple Devices User Guide for Windows

On your Windows device, you can sync — set up, manage and add content — to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
support.apple.com support.apple.com
Click to expand...
I was avoiding this discussion at all cost but,,,,, NO, You have been told for who knows how many updates (ios 16 and up maybe?) that Apple Devices was a POS and even you never can get it to work. No idea why every, single, update, you bring that up again and want to try and use it. It has 1500+ reviews in the MS store and 99% are 1 star rating. OK rant over, carry on and keep using it instead of all the other options that work just fine if you like. But please let it rest if it doesn't work for you and just move on.
 
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Mine didn't experience the long prepare...wait, this looks like a RC! No like the liquid glass tone down at all...
Screenshot 2025-08-11 at 5.11.16 PM.png
 
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sbailey4 said:
I was avoiding this discussion at all cost but,,,,, NO, You have been told for who knows how many updates (ios 16 and up maybe?) that Apple Devices was a POS and even you never can get it to work. No idea why every, single, update, you bring that up again and want to try and use it. It has 1500+ reviews in the MS store and 99% are 1 star rating. OK rant over, carry on and keep using it instead of all the other options that work just fine if you like. But please let it rest if it doesn't work for you and just move on.
Click to expand...
It was brought up more recently in another thread and I was told that it was functioning properly, and my problems with it were isolated and/or imagined - and everyone participating in that thread had the opportunity to refute that if it were not the case. Clearly it is still the same as it ever was, but the only way I could have known that was to find out for myself, especially in light of being misinformed. So I gave it a shot. Not sure why this is so offensive. It didn’t work so I moved onto the software that does.
 
greg624 said:
I like what they had intended though, and it was nice to have an option. It was a tab bar at the bottom which was to mimic the new tab bar interface in the App Store, music, etc.
Click to expand...
I agree that an option would be nice.

I’d imagine most people found it to be immediately counterintuitive, which is likely why they changed it. I remember my first thought being, “why is it scrolling backwards?!” when I tried it. But once you realize it’s a tab bar, like you said, it’s easy to understand. Fine for tapping, but the scrolling still made it feel really weird.
 
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MrRom92 said:
It was brought up more recently in another thread and I was told that it was functioning properly, and my problems with it were isolated and/or imagined - and everyone participating in that thread had the opportunity to refute that if it were not the case. Clearly it is still the same as it ever was, but the only way I could have known that was to find out for myself, especially in light of being misinformed. So I gave it a shot. Not sure why this is so offensive. It didn’t work so I moved onto the software that does.
Click to expand...
You know what works even better, though?

OTA.
 
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TimFL1 said:
They usually lock down the build that goes on devices by late August, depending on when the devices release (since they have to be flashed in factory). General rule of thumb is that Apple is likely 1-2 releases / betas ahead internally.

This is also why bugs that still happen by mid-August are unlikely to be fixed come RC in September. It‘s why reporting bugs very early on (Beta 1-4) is crucial.
Click to expand...
I believe they now can update the phones from inside the box at the Apple Stores.

thatJohann said:
I updated today to this beta from iOS 18.6 and tbh it’s just alright.
Click to expand...

Stiille said:
Me too
Click to expand...
I was thinking of doing it too but 18.6 is just working so well I hate to introduce issues. Plus I dont think I am sold on the whole "hard to read glass" deal. Would like to see it in action tho. Decisions, decisions.
 
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Banglazed said:
iOS 26 Beta 6

Release Date ― August 11, 2025
Build Number ― 23A5318c
Darwin Kernel Version ― 25.0.0: Tue Aug 5 22:37:43 PDT 2025; root:xnu-12377.2.6~4

iOS 26 Beta 6 Release Notes


New Issues
Remaining Issues
Resolved Issues
Features
Additional Notes
To get the beta over-the-air:
  1. Enable Beta Updates (Settings > General > Software Updates > Beta Updates)
  2. Make sure you’re signed into the right Apple Account
  3. Select which beta you’d like to receive (public/developer beta)
  4. Hit "Back" and pull down to refresh
  5. Back up to a computer or to iCloud
  6. Install the beta
If you no longer wish to receive beta updates:
  1. Turn off the Beta Updates (you can also sign out of your Apple Account to reset this setting)
  2. Wait for the next public release or follow the guide below to go back to a release build
Troubleshooting: If the beta doesn’t show up on your phone, try turning on airplane mode, then turning it back off, or restart your device.

How to install using a Mac?
  1. You’ll need the Xcode beta itself or a MobileDevice.pkg somebody extracted from the beta (click with two fingers or control-click), then choose Show Package Contents. Go to Contents/Resources/Packages. - this will work on older Macs that do not support the latest macOS or Xcode betas)
  2. Back up to your Mac or to iCloud in case you need to go back to another version
  3. Hold down Option, then click on ‘Check for Update’/‘Restore iPhone...’ and select the IPSW file you downloaded from the Apple Developer site. Note: You must be connected to the internet to complete the restore.
  4. Enter your iPhone passcode if you’re prompted to do so.
Notes/Tips:
  • Always keep a backup in case you need to restore your phone
  • Restoring wipes your settings and all data on your iPhone
  • You only need to reinstall MobileDevice.pkg if your Mac stops recognizing your iPhone
  • There is no MobileDevice.pkg equivalent to iTunes for PC which would require a new iTunes to support new/beta iOS
  • Upgrading to a newer iPhone? You can update using your Mac before setting up the phone
  • iPhone 16 series: 2.04.06
  • iPhone 16e: 2.00.04
  • iPhone 15 series: 3.02.03
  • iPhone 14 series: 4.01.07
  • iPhone 13 series and iPhone SE (3rd gen): 5.02.00
  • iPhone 12 series: 5.10.01
  • iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPad Air (Cellular, 4th gen): 6.50.00
Australia
  • Optus - 64.5.8
  • Telstra - 64.5.13
  • Vodafone AU - 64.5.5
Belgium
  • BASE - 33.0
  • Orange B - 58
  • Proximus - 45.0
  • Telenet - 64.5.6
Brazil (updated 26b5, changed from 26b4r2)
  • Claro Brasil - 65
  • Vivo - 65
  • TIM -
  • Oi -
Canada
  • Bell - 62.8
  • Fido - 56.0
  • Fizz - 53.0
  • Freedom/Shaw Mobile - 54.8.6
  • Mint Mobile - 58.0
  • Public Mobile - 54.8.4
  • Rogers - 65.0
  • Telus - 54.8.8
  • Videotron - 53.0
  • Virgin Mobile - 50.0
Denmark
  • 3 DK - 46.7.11
  • TDC 65.0
  • Norlys 65.0
Finland
  • DNA - 58.5.7
France
  • Bouygues Telecom - 40.0
  • Orange France - 63.0
  • Free - 64.0
  • SFR -
Germany
  • Vodafone.de - 65.0 and RCS enabled
  • Telekom.de - 65.0.1 and RCS enabled
  • o2-de - 61.6.1 RCS enabled
Greece:
  • Cosmote - 38.0
Guatemala
  • TIGO GT - 49.0
India
  • Airtel - 58.5.18
  • Jio - 58.5.18 (iPhone) and 58.5.18 (iPad)
  • Vi India (Vodafone Idea) - 58.5
Ireland
  • Eir - 33.5
  • Vodafone IE - 38.0
Mexico
  • AT&T - 57.0
  • Telcel - 57.6
Morocco
  • Orange - 50.0
Netherlands
  • KPN - 61.0
  • Vodafone NL - 45.0
  • Odido -
Poland
  • T-Mobile - 64.5.4
  • Orange - 64.5.2
  • Play - 61.0
  • Plus - 61.0
Portugal
  • Vodafone P - 40.0
Romania
  • Orange RO - 55.0
Slovakia
  • Orange SK - 57.6
Southeast Asia
  • Singapore Singtel -
  • Philippines Globe - 62.0
  • Philippines Globe (iPad) - 38.0
  • Philippines Smart - 63.0
  • Thailand AIS - 53.0
  • Thailand DTAC - 53.0
  • Malaysia Umobile - 33.0
  • Malaysia Maxis -33.0
  • Malaysia Digi -
  • Malaysia celcom -
  • Hong Kong - 32.0
  • Taiwan -
Spain
  • Orange ES - 65.0
  • DIGI ES - 54.8.4
  • Vodafone ES - 54.8.8
  • Movistar - 64.5.6
  • Yoigo - 65.0
Sweden
  • Comviq -
  • Tre - 31.0
Switzerland
  • Salt - 58.0
  • Sunrise - 64.5.7
  • Swisscom - 63.0
Turkey
  • Turkcell (Lifecell) - 36.5.5
  • Vodafone TR - 32.0
  • Turk Telekom - 32.0
United Kingdom
  • BT-UK (EE MVNO) -
  • EE - 65.0
  • Giffgaff (O2 MVNO) -
  • iD Mobile (Three MVNO) - 65.0
  • Lebara (Vodafone MVNO) - 65.0
  • Mozillion (EE MVNO) - 65.0
  • Lyca (EE MVNO) -
  • O2-UK - 65.0
  • Sky (O2 MVNO) - 65.0
  • Three -
  • Virgin Mobile (EE MVNO) -
  • Vodafone UK - 64.5.5
United States
  • AT&T - 64.6.7
  • Boost - 57.0
  • Cricket - 60.5.5
  • FirstNet - 55.0
  • FirstNet (iPad) - 41.7.6
  • Metro (TMO MVNO) - 65.0
  • Spectrum (VZW MVNO) - 64.0.1
  • T-Mobile - 65.0.2
  • TracFone/Straight Talk/Walmart Family Mobile - 63.5
  • U.S. Cellular - 46.7.24
  • Ultra/Mint Mobile (TMO MVNO) - 64.5.16
  • Verizon - 64.0
  • Visible (VZW MVNO) - 62.0
  • Xfinity Mobile - 57.6.1
Other
  • Docomo - 32.5.10
  • AlwaysOnline -

Historical beta release chart

iOS Version History Chart

iOS version history chart
www.thinkybits.com www.thinkybits.com
Click to expand...
I got on the beta on DB5 on a 15PM and the phone is now stuck on the Apple iOS installation screen with a full bar about two hours in, after I started the update to DB6...
Should I wait or do I need to reset?

Edit: I did a hard reset and the phone is now back to an apple logo with no progress bar, not the itunes screen yet.
 
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sbailey4 said:
I believe they now can update the phones from inside the box at the Apple Stores.




I was thinking of doing it too but 18.6 is just working so well I hate to introduce issues. Plus I dont think I am sold on the whole "hard to read glass" deal. Would like to see it in action tho. Decisions, decisions.
Click to expand...
It is so much better in action. I’ve noticed that even screenshots and screen recordings don’t capture all of the glass effects, for some reason. It actually looks better in motion and on the actual device.
 
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MrRom92 said:
Well it wasn’t until recently that I was told on this forum that it was fully functional - that’s why I attempted to use it again. Of course, that wasn’t the case. If I wasn’t misled in this way there would be nothing to complain about. If it gets on the forums nerves then the forum should not be misrepresenting the state of the software to those who have to use it.
I do not do OTA updates nor should I be forced to

Apple Devices is absolutely intended to update or restore iOS devices (please read the previously linked support documents) That said, it is unusably broken and either fails to start the process at all, like it did today, or if it does start the process it bricks your phone and leaves it in a state of disrepair. This has been the totality of my experience with the software despite recent claims here that these issues are a product of my imagination.
Click to expand...
Yeah. I read the document in the link and saw that it said “ sync, backup & restore..” missed seeing anywhere that it says “update” so perhaps I’ll read it again..

Update: I stand corrected.. it DOES say that it can update your device.. 👍🏾 BUT I suspect it’s more suited to checking apples production update servers. Maybe it doesn’t handle beta IPSW packages because your base windows install doesn’t have the updated files from Xcode so it is losing connection to the device.

But since you have had such a bad time with it, why not pivot to a different install method that works for you?
 
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Downloaded this update on Ethernet (home fiber) in the name of science (also for the lulz). If anyone’s interested, the timeline looked like this:

2:09:41 PM — Hit “Update Now”
2:10:09 PM — Started downloading Beta 6
2:10:59 PM — Moved on to Preparing
2:18:23 PM — Began verifying the update
2:33:09 PM — “welcome/Get Started” splash screen

So that’s about 23 mins from requesting the download for Beta 6, to getting back to my home screen.

IMG_0851.jpg
IMG_7561.png
 
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EmmieT said:
I got on the beta on DB5 on a 15PM and the phone is now stuck on the Apple iOS installation screen with a full bar about two hours in, after I started the update to DB6...
Should I wait or do I need to reset?

Edit: I did a hard reset and the phone is now back to an apple logo with no progress bar, not the itunes screen yet.
Click to expand...
Is the new recovery option to restore without a mac/Pc for iOS 26 available yet?
 
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