iOS 26 beta 2 changes, Liquid Glass on Apple Watch, Apple feature availability
Digest
This podcast episode covers a range of topics related to Apple software and hardware. The hosts begin by discussing their recent guest appearances on other podcasts. They then delve into several technical issues, including an Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility problem caused by mismatched operating system versions, and a persistent bug in the Apple Watch's sleep focus mode. A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to reviewing the beta versions of iOS 16, macOS Sonoma, and watchOS 26, highlighting improvements in UI, bug fixes, and new features like a redesigned workout app in watchOS and a restored Finder icon in macOS. The hosts also discuss the global availability of Apple features, explaining the reasons behind the staggered rollout, including licensing, regulations, and resource constraints. Specific examples like Apple News+, Apple Card, and the Apple Sports app are used to illustrate these points.
Outlines
Podcast Introduction & Apple Software Issues
The hosts discuss their recent podcast appearances and then detail issues with Apple Watch and iPhone software compatibility (mismatched iOS and watchOS versions) and a persistent bug in the Apple Watch's sleep focus mode.
Global Apple Feature Availability
An explanation of why many Apple features aren't available worldwide, citing licensing restrictions, regulations, and resource constraints. Examples include Apple News+, Apple Card, and the Apple Sports app.
iOS 16 Beta 2 Review
A review of iOS 16 beta 2, focusing on improvements to Control Center legibility, Safari's compact mode, and other UI tweaks and bug fixes. Overall stability and remaining issues are discussed.
macOS Sonoma & watchOS 26 Beta Reviews
Reviews of macOS Sonoma beta 2 (redesigned Finder icon and menu bar background toggle) and watchOS 26 beta (improved notifications, new workout app, customizable control center, and new Notes app). Battery life concerns and regional limitations are mentioned.
Keywords
iOS 16 Beta 2
Second beta release of iOS 16, focusing on bug fixes and UI refinements, particularly addressing legibility issues in Control Center and Safari's compact mode.
macOS Sonoma Beta 2
Second beta of macOS Sonoma, featuring a revised Finder icon and a toggle to restore the menu bar background.
watchOS 26 Beta
Latest beta of watchOS, introducing a redesigned workout app, customizable control center, and a new Notes app. UI/UX issues and regional limitations are noted.
Apple Watch Software Bugs
Issues with Apple Watch software, including compatibility problems with iPhones and a persistent bug in sleep focus mode.
Global Feature Rollout (Apple)
The process by which Apple releases features to different regions, often staggered due to licensing, regulations, resource allocation, and other factors.
Apple Sports App
Apple's sports app, offering live scores and updates. Future features like widgets and iPad/Mac support are anticipated.
Apple Watch Sleep Focus Mode
A persistent bug where the Apple Watch remains stuck in sleep mode even after the iPhone exits sleep focus.
Q&A
What are the major improvements in iOS 16 beta 2?
Improved Control Center legibility, contextual forward/back buttons in Safari's compact mode, and various bug fixes. Some UI inconsistencies and performance issues remain.
What are the key issues discussed regarding the global availability of Apple features?
Licensing restrictions, regulatory hurdles, resource constraints, and prioritization of certain regions contribute to the uneven rollout of features.
What are the most notable changes in watchOS 26 beta?
Redesigned workout app, customizable control center, new Notes app with checklist functionality, and improved notification animations. Battery life is negatively impacted, and some features have regional limitations.
What are the current limitations of the Apple Sports app?
Lack of widgets, iPad and Mac apps, and limited data availability for some sports and leagues. Frequent updates suggest ongoing development and expansion.
What is the main issue with the Apple Watch sleep focus mode in the current beta?
The Apple Watch often gets stuck in sleep focus mode even after the iPhone exits the mode, requiring manual intervention and workarounds.
Show Notes
Benjamin and Chance talk about all the changes in iOS 26 beta 2 and macOS Tahoe beta 2, try out all the new features in watchOS 26 for the first time, and talk about why availability of Apple features and services can be so splintered.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin saw the F1 film in IMAX, and en route observed some horror stories of how people actually use their phones in the real world. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
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Hosts
Chance Miller
- @chancemiller.me on Bluesky
- @chancehmiller@mastodon.social
- @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
- @ChanceHMiller on Threads
Benjamin Mayo
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Links
- Magic Rays of Light
- The Talk Show
- Apple Sports app redesigned with new personalized sections, adds tennis scores just in time for Wimbledon
- Everything new in iOS 26 beta 2
- iOS 26 beta 2 provides first possible confirmation of iPhone 17 Air resolution
- macOS Tahoe 26 beta 2 changes Finder icon
- macOS Tahoe 26 beta 2 includes toggle to restore menu bar background
- Camera Remote hint on watchOS 26
- F1 Marks Apple's Acceleration into a New Era of Entertainment
Table of contents
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