Everything new in iOS 26.1 beta 3

iOS 26.1 continues to introduce new features and changes for the upcoming iPhone software update. Here’s the latest from iOS 26.1 beta 3 and more.

Apple TV app icon

Apple is rebranding its streaming video service from Apple TV+ to just Apple TV. The rebrand is being accompanied by “a vibrant new identity,” according to Apple. The first sign of vibrancy comes with the new icon for the Apple TV app. It now features a splash of color instead of gray. The new icon can be found on the 26.1 beta 3 version of each Apple OS, including Apple TV.

Local Capture in Settings

iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 include the ability to adjust gain levels when recording local audio with a connected microphone. Local audio capture itself is new to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Starting with iOS 26.1 beta 3, the Settings app now includes a Local Capture section under General. The setting lets you change where Local Capture files are saved. You can also toggle Local Capture to only include audio.

Third-party AI provider changes

New language in iOS 26.1 beta 3 code suggests Apple is preparing support for more third-party AI providers beyond OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Apple has always planned to allow more AI providers to work with Apple Intelligence, previously pointing to Google’s Gemini AI tool as a potential partner. A string that replaces ChatGPT with third-party hints that this promised future may arrive sooner rather than later.

More

Meanwhile, more changes in code show that work to better support third-party smartwatches with Notification Forwarding continues. We’ll update our coverage if additional changes are discovered.