iOS 26.1 Beta 3 is now out for developers, and we’re getting closer to the official release, expected later this month. It includes more improvements and bug fixes — here’s what’s new.
In case you missed it, here are the features included in iOS 26.1 Beta 2 →
iOS 26.1 Expected Timeline
I think Apple will release iOS 26.1 by the end of October, as previous versions like iOS 18.1, 17.1, and 16.1 were all released in October.
So this could be the final beta before we get the RC (Release Candidate) next week and the official release by the end of the month.
Apple TV App Icon
The Apple TV app icon has been updated in iOS 26.1 Beta 3, featuring a vibrant gradient stripe. This aligns with reports that Apple plans to rename its streaming service, Apple TV+, to simply Apple TV. I believe this will represent the new visual identity for Apple TV.
Local Capture Setting
There’s a new Local Capture setting under Settings → General, which lets you choose the folder where your recordings are saved and also provides an Audio Only option.
Previously, you could access the same setting through the Local Capture control in Control Center.
Control Center
Control Center in iOS 26.1 Beta 3 has been updated to look bouncier and more fluid when swiping between pages. You might not easily notice the difference through a screen recording, but it feels noticeably smoother in use.
https://x.com/BetaProfiles/status/1977820640607613389
Thanks to @@maxime_lgde
Alarms and Timers
The “slide to stop” slider in Beta 3 has been made slightly wider.
“Notification Forwarding”
Some new code added in Beta 3 reveals a new feature called “Notification Forwarding,” which allows iPhone notifications to be viewed on third-party devices.
The code also indicates that when Notification Forwarding is enabled, notifications will no longer appear on the Apple Watch.
https://x.com/aaronp613/status/1977797114768843226
Earlier this month, luxury watch brand TAG Heuer released the first watch certified by Apple as “Made for iPhone.” This suggests that, in the future, third-party smartwatches may be able to show iPhone notifications through this new feature.
Preparing for Third-Party AI Integration
According to @aaronp613 on X, the code in iOS 26.1 Beta 3 suggests that Apple is preparing to integrate additional third-party AI services into iOS, not just ChatGPT.
The code has been updated from “Report a concern related to ChatGPT” to “Report a concern related to a Third Party.” 
Hint At a New Wallpaper
According to @aaronp613, the code in iOS 26.1 Beta 3 references a new wallpaper described as follows:
“Ethereal currents of vibrant light flow into serene darkness, shaped by soft, undulating paths that create a striking visual harmony”
While this description sounds quite similar to the new Apple TV app icon, we’ll have to wait and see, it’s possible the wallpaper will be added in the RC build next week.
I’ll keep adding more iOS 26.1 Beta 3 changes and new features here as I discover them. Stay tuned and follow @BetaProfiles on X or Threads!
