Apple Releases Second Betas for Upcoming Software Updates
Apple has launched the second betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 for developers. The updates bring new features and support for additional languages.
Second betas for various OS versions
Includes new language support
New features in Apple Music
Changes to Calendar and Safari
Betas available for download now
Full release expected in October
More features coming in future updates
Apple has rolled out the second beta versions of iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, macOS Tahoe 16.1, as well as tvOS 16.1, watchOS 16.1, and visionOS 16.1. These can be downloaded from Settings > General > Software Update on compatible devices.
Apple releases second betas iOS 16.1 Beta 2
Live Activities API: Enhances real-time event tracking from the Lock Screen via third-party apps.
Apple Wallet App Deletable: Users can now remove the Wallet app, disabling related services like Apple Pay.
Matter Support: Introduces smart home connectivity standard for improved cross-platform device compatibility.
iCloud Shared Photo Library: Up to six users can share and collaborate on a separate photo library.
Clean Energy Charging: Optimizes charging to use cleaner energy sources, reducing carbon footprint.
Battery Percentage Icon Expansion: Now includes iPhone XR, 11, 12 mini, and 13 mini models.
Charging Indicator on Lock Screen: Displays battery percentage prominently when charging.[1][2][3]
iPadOS 16.1 Beta 2 Features
Resizable and Overlapping Windows: Improved multitasking for M1 iPad Air and M1 iPad Pro with Stage Manager.
Center App Focus: Highlights the active app without entering full-screen mode.
iCloud Shared Photo Library: Collaborative photo sharing feature similar to iOS 16.1.
Messages Enhancements: Edit sent messages within 15 minutes, undo send within 2 minutes, and mark messages as unread.
New Weather App: Animated backgrounds, detailed forecasts, and air quality info.[4][5]
macOS Tahoe 16.1 Beta 2 Updates
Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements: Stability enhancements post macOS 26.0 release.
AI and MCP Framework Foundation: Prepares macOS for expanded Machine Learning and third-party AI model support.
Image Playground Compatibility Expansion: Allows broader AI usage beyond ChatGPT.[6][7][8]
Apple Intelligence Language Expansion
Apple Intelligence now includes support for Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese, releasing new features like Live Translation and writing tools.
Full Apple Intelligence support initially launched in English; expanded support scheduled throughout 2025.[9][10][11][12]
AirPods Live Translation Enhancements
Live Translation now supports Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional) in iOS 16.1.
Requires AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and an iPhone 15 Pro or later running iOS 16+.
Features hands-free translation during conversation and supports offline use with local translation models.
Translation works best when both participants wear compatible AirPods; otherwise, phone screen shows translated text.[13][14][15][16]
Visual and UX Improvements
Liquid Glass effect has been extended to the Phone app’s keypad.
Apple Music introduces a swipe gesture for track changes.
Calendar, Safari, and Photos apps receive visual design tweaks [original article].
Beta Release Schedule
The official releases of these operating system updates are expected later in October 2025 after beta testing phases conclude.
Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. L. Fischer earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media.
Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society.
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Elena Voren is a senior journalist and Tech Section Editor with 8 years of experience focusing on AI ethics, social media impact, and consumer software. She is recognized for interviewing industry leaders and academic experts while clearly distinguishing opinion from evidence-based reporting.
She earned her B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2016), where she studied human-computer interaction, AI, and digital behavior.
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