The Article Tells the Story of:
- Apple iOS 26 Beta 3 Launches With Liquid Glass-Inspired Design
- Notification Center and Dock Still Buggy in This Developer Release
- Apple Intelligence and CarPlay Updates Hint at Big iPhone Changes
- Squaredtech Tracks What Features Work—and What Still Doesn’t
Table of Contents
At Squaredtech.co, we stay on top of major iPhone software updates to help users understand what’s changing and whether it’s worth the upgrade. Apple’s latest iOS 26 beta 3 release brings us one step closer to the final version of iOS 26—complete with new visuals, performance tweaks, and Apple Intelligence features that are built for newer iPhones. Here’s everything Squaredtech knows about the third developer beta and what it means for your device.
iOS 26 Beta 3 Brings Polished Design but Persistent Bugs
Apple has released the third developer beta for iOS 26, and with it comes a deeper look into the platform’s visual overhaul. Beta 3 continues to refine Apple’s new Liquid Glass aesthetic, the central theme of iOS 26. In this release, Apple has focused on improving Control Center readability, tightening Safari’s menu layout, and fixing accessibility options like border support in High Contrast Mode.
However, not all changes are smooth. Squaredtech has noticed beta testers still complaining about a transparent Notification Center that causes readability issues. There’s also a dock alignment bug where icons slide to the left if fewer than four apps are placed in it. On devices like the iPhone SE, the misalignment appears worse and includes spacing glitches.
The biggest visual leap in iOS 26 comes from its immersive UI, which Apple says will make your iPhone feel more “alive.” Control panels blur elegantly, and icons appear to float over a soft translucent background. But for now, it’s still a visual concept waiting for full refinement.
Read More About Our Article of iPhone 17 Pro Leaks Reveal 14 Major Upgrades You Can’t Ignore Published on July 7th, 2025 SquaredTech
Apple Intelligence and Compatibility Limits for iOS 26
One of the standout features of iOS 26 is Apple Intelligence—a set of new AI-powered tools that boost productivity and communication. These include smarter message suggestions, dynamic call handling, and intelligent content summaries across apps. But there’s a catch: these tools are only available on iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models.
Older devices like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not support iOS 26 at all. Those models are officially stuck on iOS 18, with security updates continuing for a limited time. iPhones from the SE 2nd generation and newer will support iOS 26, though performance may vary depending on hardware.
Read More About Our Article of Download iOS 26 Developer Beta Now — Full Guide for iPhone Users Published on June 18th, 2025 SquaredTech
Apple is pushing forward fast with its AI ambitions. The company hopes Apple Intelligence will serve as the next evolution of Siri and native automation. Squaredtech believes this update marks a clear shift from static operating systems to context-aware mobile computing—but only for those with the right hardware.
Public Beta Approaches as iOS 26 Heads Toward Release
Apple’s developer beta 3 is likely a candidate for the public beta that Apple promised for July. That means we could see iOS 26 Public Beta 1 very soon, possibly within the next week.
This release marks the one-third point in Apple’s expected beta cycle, with the final iOS 26 update likely to ship in September alongside the iPhone 16. Squaredtech recommends that non-developers wait for the public beta rather than jumping into the developer version, which still carries stability and battery life risks.
Performance in beta 3 appears slightly more stable, with smoother app launches and improved multitasking across supported models. But don’t expect a bug-free ride just yet—especially if you rely on Notifications, dock shortcuts, or third-party widgets.
If you’re testing on a daily-use device, Squaredtech suggests holding off for now. But if you’re ready to explore new features like Liquid Glass visuals, dynamic call tools, and revamped CarPlay integration, this may be your best preview yet of Apple’s next big leap.
iOS 26 Feature Breakdown at a Glance
| Feature | Status in Beta 3 | Devices Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Glass UI | Improved, still glitchy | All iPhones running iOS 26 |
| Notification Center Transparency | Still hard to read | All iPhones running iOS 26 |
| Dock Alignment Bug | Ongoing issue | iPhone SE, some older iPhones |
| Apple Intelligence Tools | Developer-only | iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, iPhone 16 |
| Call & Message Enhancements | Enabled | Limited to Apple Intelligence devices |
| Control Center Legibility | Improved | All iPhones running iOS 26 |
| Safari Menu Changes | Added | All iPhones running iOS 26 |
| High Contrast Borders | Added | All iPhones running iOS 26 |
Squaredtech’s Take on iOS 26 Beta 3
At Squaredtech.co, we think iOS 26 beta 3 shows real progress, but it’s clear that Apple still has work to do. The visual redesign has potential, and Apple Intelligence feels like the biggest leap since the original Siri. But performance hiccups, layout bugs, and hardware limitations could frustrate early adopters—especially users with older iPhones.
The upcoming public beta will be the real test. Apple is betting big on its design shift and AI tools, and we’ll be watching closely to see how these features evolve. If you’re on a supported device and comfortable testing pre-release software, iOS 26 beta 3 gives you a solid look at where Apple is headed.
If not, wait for the final release—and let Squaredtech guide you through what’s worth using and what still needs work.
Stay tuned for our full review of the public beta next week.
Stay Updated: Mobile
