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Apple Releases Second iOS 26.1 Beta With a Useful Security Feature

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Apple released the second public beta of iOS 26.1 on Tuesday, less than a month after the company released iOS 26, which introduced Liquid Glass, call screening and more to your device.

iOS 26.1 brings a useful security feature to developers' and beta testers' devices, which I hope will make the final cut.

Since this is a beta, I recommend downloading it only on something other than your primary device. The update might be buggy, and battery life may be short.

Also, given that it's not the final version, more features could land on your iPhone when 26.1 is released. There's no word on when Apple will release iOS 26.1 to the general public.

Apple/Screenshot by CNET

Here are the features developers and beta testers can try now, and what could be on your iPhone when Apple officially releases iOS 26.1.

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Automatically install security improvements

Apple introduces a useful new security setting in the iOS 26.1 beta that allows your iPhone to download and install security improvements on its own.

Apple/Screenshot by CNET

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