iOS 26.1 Beta 3 New Features
iOS 26.1 Beta 3 is here, and it’s packed with some cool tweaks that are already making waves among the tech crowd. One of the standout changes is the introduction of custom workouts inside the Fitness app. Finally! If you’ve ever wanted to tailor your workouts down to the tiniest detail, customizing the type of exercise, how many calories you aim to burn, the effort level, and even when to start it, this update brings that power right to your fingertips. It’s like having a personal trainer who actually listens to your weird schedule.
Another noteworthy change is the fresh look for the Apple TV app. Apple decided it was time to ditch the plus sign from Apple TV+ and just keep it plain Apple TV, accompanied by a much more colorful icon. It’s brighter, more inviting, like your favorite streaming service just got a new wardrobe. Makes me wonder if this means even more content is coming our way or if it’s just a subtle nudge toward streaming more shows.
One feature that caught the attention of many is the new “Local Capture” toggle in the settings menu. If you’re someone who frequently records audio or video locally during calls (maybe for interviews, podcasts, or even just long chats with friends), this addition lets you decide exactly where those files are saved. Plus, you can turn on or off audio-only capture without needing to dig through half a dozen menus. Convenience points score big here.
For the AI enthusiasts, this beta hints at broader integrations with some third-party AI systems like Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude, alongside the usual ChatGPT. It’s pretty exciting because it shows Apple is opening the gates wider for voice and text assistants beyond just their own. I tried it out briefly, and while it’s early days, the idea of having multiple AI helpers playing nicely on my phone already feels like a glimpse into the future.
And of course, if you’re rocking an Apple Watch alternative, the beta improves notification forwarding to third-party smartwatches, making sure you’re not missing alerts even if you’re not wearing an Apple device. Handy, right?
Behind the scenes, Apple also sprinkled in some visual tweaks. The Liquid Glass animations get a touch more life, and the Control Center animations bounce with a bit more personality. Even the alarm interface now boasts a “slide to stop” option that’s smoother and less frustrating. Small but noticeable.
Overall, iOS 26.1 Beta 3 feels like one of those updates that, rather than overwhelming you with flashy new apps, refines the experience you already love, quietly smoothing out little annoyances and opening doors to fresh possibilities. It’s the kind of update that’s easy to overlook until you realize your phone just works a bit better, like a friend who shows up early to help with the tough chores. If you’re on the beta train, it’s worth diving into right now just don’t expect fireworks. Instead, expect your iPhone to feel more... thoughtful.
Disclaimer: Features mentioned are based on the iOS 26.1 Beta 3 release and may change before the official update. Always back up your device before installing beta software.
