Apple released the third public beta of iOS 26.1 on Tuesday, about a month after the company released iOS 26, which introduced Liquid Glass, call screening and more to your device. The iOS 26.1 beta brings a few new settings to developers' and beta testers' devices, as well as a useful security feature 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
"Background Security Improvements provide additional protection to your iPhone in between software updates," according to Apple. "In rare instances of compatibility issues, these Security Improvements may be temporarily removed and then enhanced in a future software update."
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