iOS 26 Beta 6 Brings Final Tweaks Before Launch

Apple is closing in on the September release of iOS 26, and beta 6 looks like one of the last major refinements before the software goes public. The update focuses on polishing the new Liquid Glass interface, boosting animation speed, and reversing a controversial Camera app change, with a few smaller surprises along the way.

Seven new ringtones, one brand-new sound

Apple has added seven new ringtones in beta 6. Six are fresh takes on the popular “Reflection” tone, now available in Buoyant, Dreamer, Tech, Pop, Reflected, and Surge variations. Dreamer, in particular, has already drawn attention online for its upbeat, pop-like rhythm. There’s also a completely original tone called “Little Bird,” marking a rare addition to Apple’s default sound library. For some users, this might be the nudge to switch their iPhones out of silent mode for the first time in years.

Also Read: How to Set Custom Ringtone on iOS 26

Liquid Glass gets sharper and a bit more playful

Apple’s new frosted, semi-transparent design language continues to evolve. On the Lock Screen, the clock now appears with increased transparency and a subtle 3D float effect. It’s visually striking, though darker wallpapers can make the time harder to read. Interactive elements like toggles now shimmer when tapped, while navigation bars across apps have been tweaked to stay legible without losing the glass-like aesthetic.

Even passcode buttons now have more translucency, and in some apps, background transparency changes dynamically based on the visual complexity of the background. This adaptive approach could help balance aesthetics and readability without relying on a blanket setting to reduce transparency.

Camera swipe controversy put to rest

Earlier in the beta cycle, Apple reversed the long-standing swipe direction for switching Camera modes, frustrating users who relied on muscle memory. Beta 5 attempted a compromise by adding a setting to toggle between the old and new behavior. Now, with beta 6, Apple has removed the setting entirely and restored the original swipe direction by default — no menu-diving required.

Faster animations and guided onboarding

App open and close animations now feel noticeably quicker, with a light bounce effect that aligns with the refreshed Lock Screen and Control Center visuals. After installing beta 6, users are met with a short onboarding video that walks through the Liquid Glass redesign, updated icons, and other headline features in iOS 26.

Smaller but welcome changes

The Preview app now features larger buttons for document creation and scanning, while scan controls have been moved to the bottom of the screen for easier access. Apple has also added a subtle color dispersion animation when switching between app tabs, further tying into the Liquid Glass theme.

With this round of changes, beta 6 feels both more stable and more responsive than earlier builds. The refinements suggest Apple is nearly ready to finalize the software ahead of its September launch, with public beta testers likely to see the update roll out soon.

Would these tweaks be enough to sway you toward installing iOS 26 on day one, or are you waiting for the final release? Share your thoughts below.