Apple announced iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 in June at its highly anticipated WWDC event, and the new design language of the updates took the internet by storm. The Liquid Glass redesign is a significant jump forward for Apple as it stretches from iPhone to the Mac and every product in between. The new design language made the new updates quite popular among developers and the public. Tim Cook stated at Apple's Q3 earnings call that iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 builds are by "far the most popular developer betas we've had."
Apple’s Liquid Glass design and major updates in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 drive record developer beta installs
Tim Cook further stated that this unprecedented popularity reflects "great momentum building for our platforms." Apple did not share the exact install numbers, but the CEO pointed out that the betas were available soon after the WWDC event and that the interest soared even before the public beta was available. Two years ago, Apple waived off the $99 developer fee, which allowed anyone with a Developer Account to install the betas for free, which is one of the reasons why more developers were inclined to install the latest iOS 26 beta.
However, the bigger reason why the installs were higher this year is the new Liquid Glass interface that brings transparent and glass-like visuals to the platforms. Since all platforms feature the same design, it is a no-brainer that installs were higher for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. The new design blurs the line between physical and digital through fluid animations, refractions, and responsive UI elements. All of these factors combined captured developer and consumer attention, prompting many to install the betas early instead of waiting for the public betas or the final release.
Apart from the design language, iPadOS 26 is a major transformation compared to the current iOS 28 update. This is because the update brings the iPad closer to being an actual computer. iPadOS 26 brings the same menu bar that you will find in macOS to iPadOS, allowing users to access control with just a single swipe. Moreover, the new windowing system, which is available on all iPad models, is a major productivity boost, and the best part is that it is not reserved for the Pro iPad models, as even the iPad mini has access to it. This also contributed to a higher install count this time around for iPadOS 26.
Apple recently released the public beta builds of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 alongside other updates, which means that the overall install count is even higher. We will share additional details on the new software updates, so be sure to stick around.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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