Apple’s iOS 26 Developer Beta 2 Enhances Control Center Visibility

The release of the second developer beta for iOS 26 has brought significant improvements to the Control Center, addressing user feedback from the first beta. One of the primary concerns was the transparency of the Liquid Glass interface, which made it difficult to read the Control Center options due to the cluttered appearance caused by the visibility of underlying apps.

In the initial beta, the glassy effect allowed users to see a considerable amount of what was beneath the Control Center, leading to a visually overwhelming experience. However, with the latest update, Apple has made the background of the Control Center much more opaque, enhancing readability and overall user experience.

Visual Comparison of Developer Beta 1 and Beta 2

To illustrate the changes, a comparison slider has been provided:

Developer beta 1 on the left, developer beta 2 on the right. This isn’t a perfect comparison because I’ve switched a few app icons on my homescreen, but hopefully you can get the idea.

Remaining Issues and Future Updates

Despite the improvements, some users have noted that certain colors still bleed into the Control Center buttons, which could lead to confusion. Nevertheless, the overall direction of the updates appears promising. Many are eager to see if Apple will implement further changes before the general release of iOS 26.

As reported in previous updates by 9to5Mac, the beta also includes additional features, such as an alternate version of the Reflections song. This new track has been described as reminiscent of music from the Ace Attorney game series, and many users have already switched to it.

How to Access the Developer Beta

For those interested in experiencing the developer beta firsthand, instructions can be found at here’s our guide on how to install it. If you prefer to avoid the risks associated with beta testing but still want to explore upcoming features, Apple is expected to launch a public beta next month, providing a more stable option for users.