iOS 26 Beta 2 Unveiled: Darker Control Center, New Ringtones & Advanced Recovery Tools

Apple has released the second developer beta of iOS 26, approximately two weeks after the initial beta launch at WWDC 2025. This latest version, identified by build number 23A5276f, concentrates on enhancing the user interface and resolving bugs identified in the initial release. Key visual updates include a redesigned Control Center with a darker aesthetic and a more pronounced blur effect, in addition to refreshed ‘Glass’ wallpapers and the return of model-specific iPhone wallpapers. Messages now uses blue badges to distinguish notifications from unknown contacts. The new beta also introduces the ‘Alt 1’ ringtone, available in the settings menu. Other changes include an integrated live radio widget for Apple Music, and a revised Safari ‘More’ button designed to enhance usability. A significant addition is the Recovery Assistant, designed to help users troubleshoot device startup problems with real-time guidance and instructions. This feature offers the ability to restore devices using another iOS or iPadOS device, which reduces the requirement for a Mac or PC. Further, numerous fixes tackle user interface problems in apps such as Apple TV, Messages, Mail, and Photos, including issues in Spatial Audio and crashes in the Photos app. New features for developers are also present, including further expansion of the Foundation Models framework. The public release of iOS 26 is expected later this year, with additional beta releases anticipated in the coming weeks, and developers can continue testing with the updated Xcode 26 from the Mac App Store.