iOS 26 Beta 5 Tweaks Low Battery Look, Passcode Animations & More Ahead of Final Release

Apple has been teasing Liquid Glass as the crown jewel of iOS 26 visuals. However, iOS 26 Beta 5, released today, includes a few smaller tweaks beyond what Liquid Glass initially promised. One of the most interesting changes is a new low battery icon and animation.

Instead of simply making the icon glass‑like and keeping it static, the iPhone now flashes a radar‑style red pulse when it drops to 20 percent. Then it transitions into Low Power Mode smoothly (if enabled).

Here’s what it looks like, including its transition to Low Power Mode.

These types of micro‑interactions, something Apple is known for, have been missing from the Liquid Glass design style so far. With this beta, Apple appears to be bringing them back.

And It’s Not the Only Non-Liquid Glass Change in iOS 26 Beta 5

The passcode screen now has an updated animation where each number bounces into place as you enter it, giving the lock screen a more dynamic feel.

Apple has also added new splash screens that appear the first time you open apps like Apple Music or Reminders, highlighting what’s new in each.

Control Center has been refined too, with smoother, more responsive swiping between pages and a slightly bouncier transition that makes navigation feel faster and cleaner.

These aren’t major changes, but they make iOS 26 feel tighter and more consistent. At this stage, Apple is no longer adding features. It is tuning the software for its final release.

The public version of iOS 26 is expected in September, likely following the iPhone 17 launch, which is rumored for September 9. Beta 5 is a clear sign that Apple is in the final phase of preparation.