152: Talking iOS 26 Beta 2 Changes & Apple's Interest in Perplexity AI

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through the changes introduced in the second developer beta of iOS 26. 

In ‌iOS 26‌ beta 2, Apple refined several interface elements to slightly improve visual clarity and usability. The Control Center's Liquid Glass buttons now appear more clearly, thanks to increased background blur that makes them easier to distinguish. Similarly, the Reduce Transparency setting in Accessibility has been enhanced, further cutting down the see-through effect across the UI.

Safari saw a couple of adjustments as well. The new tab button in the tab management view has been moved from the top left to the bottom left corner, bringing it back to its position in iOS 18. Additionally, when using the Compact tab bar layout, back and forward navigation buttons are now present.

Apple Music now includes a Live Radio widget, giving users quicker access to real-time radio streams from their Home Screen. There's also a new ringtone option—"Alt 1" under the Reflection category—available in Sounds and Haptics settings.

Low Power Mode's description has been rewritten for greater clarity, now explicitly noting that it reduces background activities, processing speed, display refresh rate, brightness, and limits features like 5G and iCloud syncing.

Lastly, the default wallpaper introduced with ‌iOS 26‌ has been updated to animate in response to the system's spatial photos feature, adding a more dynamic feel to the home screen.

We also discuss Apple's apparent consideration of a bid to buy AI search startup Perplexity, as well as the new purple and green color options rumored for the iPhone 17. 

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