iOS 26.1 reaches beta number three and passes half of its development cycle. The final version is getting closerand this could make us believe that there is no longer any interesting news, but nothing could be further from the truth. This third beta hides clues about the future of Apple Intelligence and even confirms the existence of a new Apple device that has not yet been officially presented. The new version is now available for developers, and the public beta will arrive in a matter of hours.

Apple TV changes its look (and name)

The first thing that jumps out is the new Apple TV app icon. And Apple has decided to simplify: goodbye to “Apple TV+”, hello simply to “Apple TV” for everything. The streaming service, the app and the physical device now share the same name.

With this change comes a renewed, more colorful icon. Instead of the sober black with white letters, we now see flashes of rainbow-like colors at the bottom of the “tv” text. A touch of color that gives more life to the app and that fits better with the Liquid Glass aesthetic of iOS 26.

Old and new TV app icon

The iPhone is preparing to open up to more AI (and Google Gemini could be close)

Here comes the big part. Several developers have analyzed the iOS 26.1 beta 3 code and found deeper changes. A text string that previously said “Report a problem related to ChatGPT” now says “Report a problem related to a third party”.

What does this mean? That Apple is working to add more artificial intelligence providers in addition to ChatGPT. Since iOS 18 was announced in June 2024, Apple has mentioned that Google Gemini could arrive at some point. But until now, ChatGPT has been the only option available to enhance Apple Intelligence.

This change in code suggests that we will soon be able to choose between different AI services to use with Siri and other system functions. It is not clear if these new integrations will arrive with iOS 26.1 or we will have to wait for a later version, but the fact that Apple is modifying the code indicates that the launch could be closer than expected.

The Pro Display XDR 2 is leaked

The surprise of this beta comes from the macOS side. Explicit references to a “Pro Display XDR Camera” and “Pro Display XDR Desk View Camera”. This confirms that Apple is developing the second generation of its professional screen, and this time it will include an integrated camera.

For those who don’t remember: the original Pro Display XDR, launched in December 2019, It costs 5,499 euros and has no camera or speakers. A decision that has always attracted attention, especially after Apple launched the Studio Display in 2022 with a Center Stage camera and speakers for 1,779 euros.

The new Pro Display It’s been almost six years since the launch of the original model, so it was time for a refresh.

Local Capture now has its own section in Settings

iOS 26 brought Local Capture, a feature that allows you to record your own audio track during calls using the iPhone microphone, AirPods, or an external microphone connected via USB-C. Until now you could only activate it from the Control Center.

In iOS 26.1 beta 3, Apple has added a dedicated section in Settings. You are going to Settings > General > Local Captureand there you can activate “Audio Only” mode and change where the recordings are saved. By default they go to the Downloads folder in Files, but now you can choose another location.

You can also adjust gain levels when recording with an external microphone, useful for those who podcast or create video content.

Apple continues working on compatibility with third-party smartwatches

The code for this beta goes on to mention a notification forwarding feature that would allow use smartwatches from other brands with the iPhone in a more integrated way. The settings would include options to enable forwarding, allow all apps, deny all, or choose which apps can send notifications to the accessory. If this feature is enabled, Apple Watch notifications would be automatically disabled. For now it only works with one accessory at a time.

Other changes that come with 26.1 to the iPhone and Mac

Apple has also updated the Macintosh HD icon in macOS 26.1 beta 3. The hard drive icon that was released generated quite a bit of controversy due to the strange perspective of the Apple logo and some random ports and holes. The new version fixes these problems.

Additionally, iOS 26.1 beta 3 includes references to Integrated notifications for mercenary spyware attacks. Until now, Apple warned of these threats by email or iMessage, but everything indicates that it will soon do so directly from the system.

When does iOS 26.1 reach the public?

If Apple maintains its usual schedule, iOS 26.1 should arrive at the end of October, probably the last week of the month. This update will bring these and other improvements to all compatible iPhones.

Meanwhile, if you are a developer you can now try beta 3. And if you are enrolled in the public beta program, you should be able to install it in a matter of hours. As always, the recommendation is to wait for the final version (or the public beta) if you do not need to try these new features immediately.

In Applesfera | How to install an iOS 26.1 beta on the iPhone: step by step to do it in a safe and official way

In Applesfera | Discover iOS 26: news, compatible iPhones and more about the new era of Apple’s operating system