All articles tagged with #beta testing
Apple appears to be testing iOS 26.5.2 internally as a bug‑fix update for iPhone, with signs spotted by 9to5Mac and MacRumors; it would precede iOS 27, which is already in beta and expected to enter public beta in July, following the 26.5 release that added RCS end‑to‑end encryption and Maps tweaks, with 26.5.1 and 26.6 also in testing.
iOS 27 brings broad performance improvements, with Low Power Mode getting faster camera launches and more efficient operation, plus overall faster app launches, quicker Photo processing, and faster AirDrop; early beta users report noticeable speed gains on newer iPhone models while older devices show mixed results.
The Tom's Guide article reports a claimed workaround by beta testers to bypass the iOS 27 Siri AI waiting list, potentially granting immediate access to the revamped assistant. The workaround is tied to having the iOS 27 developer beta and reportedly involves specific device settings and toggling steps, but Apple is rolling out Siri AI in phased stages.
Apple is testing iOS 26.5.1, expected to be a minor bug- and security-fix update with a release likely by the end of next week. Simultaneously, iOS 26.6 is in early beta with a June first beta anticipated, as Apple shifts focus toward iOS 27 for WWDC 2026 on June 8.
Apple has released a second release candidate for iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to developers for testing, five days after the first RC. Details on changes are not specified, but Siri updates are expected in iOS 27. The update includes groundwork for ads in Apple Maps, and Apple is continuing to test end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android. A Pride wallpaper and Pride Watch band are also noted, with a likely iOS 26.5 launch next week.
Samsung has begun internal testing of One UI 9.0 for the Galaxy S26 lineup, with the first beta for the Galaxy S26 Ultra based on Android 17 (build S948BXXU2ZZE7) spotted on Samsung’s servers, even as One UI 8.5 remains in beta. Early builds are described as having few user‑facing changes, echoing a similar timing to last year, and Samsung is likely aiming to roll out the stable 8.5 update soon while continuing 9.0 testing.
Anthropic's Claude is now available as a beta add-in in Microsoft Word for Team and Enterprise customers, offering document creation, editing, tone adjustments, comment analysis, and cross-reference checks as an alternative to Copilot; a broader rollout has not been announced.
Apple plans to release iOS 26.5 as the final major update for iOS 26, with four beta versions (RC on May 4) and a public rollout around May 11–12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT. The update emphasizes performance, stability and battery efficiency as it concludes iOS 26 and sets the stage for iOS 27, expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2026 with AI/Siri enhancements.
Apple and Google are testing end-to-end encryption for iPhone–to–Android RCS messages in the second iOS 26.4 beta. The feature will not ship with iOS 26.4 and requires iPhone beta 2 and the latest Google Messages to test; it aims to enable encrypted cross-platform communications, building on existing Android-to-Android E2EE and iMessage’s iPhone-to-iPhone encryption. Availability will come in a future release and is limited by devices and carriers during beta.
Apple has released the first developer betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, available to download via Settings > General > Software Update. The updates are expected to include new emoji and at least some Siri enhancements, though a fuller Siri revamp may be delayed to iOS 26.5 or 27; a public beta is anticipated within the next week or two.
Minecraft is testing a batch of new baby mobs—baby axolotls, baby squid and glow squid, baby dolphins, and baby turtles—with redesigned looks and a growth mechanic where feeding a baby mob a golden dandelion makes it grow into an adult. The features are available in Java snapshots and Bedrock previews/betas, and Mojang is asking players to provide feedback as testing continues.
Apple has released the second public betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 (along with tvOS 26.3 and watchOS 26.3) to testers, four weeks after the first betas. The update introduces a new iPhone-to-Android data transfer tool during setup and includes changes to third-party wearables in the EU. A public release is expected by the end of January, with downloads available to anyone who signs up on Apple's beta site.
Samsung is expanding its One UI 8.5 beta testing to include more Galaxy devices such as the Galaxy M56, F56, and A15 5G, with a stable release expected alongside the Galaxy S26 series next year. The update features a redesigned software update interface, UI enhancements, and improved user experience, while Samsung continues to address issues with the Galaxy Watch 4 series after initial rollout problems.
Apple has released release candidate versions of watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and other updates, signaling that the official launches are imminent within the next week, with notable improvements in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and minimal changes in tvOS, watchOS, visionOS, and HomePod.
Google is launching a 'Trusted Tester' program allowing 15 passionate Pixel enthusiasts to test the upcoming Pixel 11 before its official release, providing feedback under strict confidentiality to help shape the device's development.