iPadOS 26 Beta 5 Launched Showcasing Improved Multitasking Features
José Adorno for BGR
After the launch of iPadOS 26 beta 4 and a subsequent public beta a week later, Apple is set to continue the testing phase of its forthcoming operating system update. The fifth test release further enhances multitasking capabilities, introducing additional Mac-like features that align both devices more closely.
In the earlier beta, iPadOS 26 introduced a Mac-style cursor. When utilizing a Magic Keyboard or a compatible trackpad or mouse, you can quickly shake side to side to temporarily enlarge the cursor.
Moreover, iPadOS 26 beta 5 brings a revamped windowing system, catering to fans of Stage Manager. While the latter allowed for various desktop layouts, the new Windows Tiling mode permits the addition of as many applications as desired. Enhancing functionality further, Apple enables tasks to operate in the background, simplifying the process of exporting a video or downloading a document while simultaneously focusing on another task.
iPadOS 26 beta 5 transforms the iPad into a superior laptop alternative
Apple Reveals Additional Functionalities in watchOS 26 Beta 5
and several new functionalities anticipated to launch later this autumn.
Although you should reconsider before upgrading to the watchOS 26 beta since reverting to watchOS 11 isn’t possible, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Apple is dedicating significant resources to this forthcoming software upgrade. For instance, the company is incorporating the Liquid Glass aesthetic into the Apple Watch along with enhancements to various Watch Faces, a redesigned Control Center and Passcode screens, as well as several other adjustments to the user interface.
Even though Apple has eliminated some Watch Faces and hasn’t indicated the addition of any new ones, watchOS 26 beta 5 enhances the Smart Stack, now offering information suggestions tailored to your location. For instance, the Apple Watch can assist you in retracing your steps, even if you’re disconnected from a cellular network.
New gestures and Apple Intelligence in watchOS 26 beta 5
Apple Unveils tvOS 26 Beta 5 with Major Improvements for Apple TV
**tvOS 26 Beta 5 Now Released With Significant Enhancements For Apple TV**
With the public beta of tvOS 26 finally accessible, Apple is prepared to distribute the newest beta for developers. This version carries on enhancing overall stability alongside several fresh features anticipated to be available to all users later this fall.
As in past years, tvOS 26 marks another thrilling update, despite Apple clarifying that certain users will need to upgrade to one of the newer Apple TV models to experience it fully. For instance, tvOS 26 beta 5 presents the new Liquid Glass design, allowing Apple TV users to enjoy a richer, more engaging, and convenient entertainment experience.
This includes the overhauled Apple TV app, which displays cinematic poster art, simplifying the discovery of new content. Apple is also streamlining the sign-in process for tvOS 26 through a new API for developers, making it easier to log in during the setup of a new device.
**tvOS 26 is Ideal for Apple Music Fans**
While Apple works on enhancing the FaceTime experience with tvOS 26, refining the Apple Arcade app, and easing profile switching, Apple Music subscribers will be the ones to appreciate the tvOS 26 update the most. With this beta version, Apple is introducing three new features for Music subscribers:
– **Lyrics Pronunciation:** You can finally learn how to pronounce the lyrics of your favorite K-Pop track.
– **Lyrics Translate:** Grasp the entire meaning of a song that isn’t in your native language with this new function.
– **Apple Music Sing:** With the latest Apple TV 4K, you can enhance the Apple Music Sing experience by utilizing your iPhone as a portable microphone. Others can queue songs with SharePlay and respond to your singing with onscreen emoji.
Alongside tvOS 26 beta 5, Apple is also launching the fifth beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.
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Apple Unveils Fifth Beta of visionOS 26 for Vision Pro Developers
Apple Vision Pro. However, only developers have the opportunity to explore upcoming features.
Bearing that in mind, the second significant software update since the Vision Pro’s launch last year supports the advancement of the company’s newest marketing innovation. Despite an attractive Apple Vision Pro roadmap extending to 2028, users of Vision Pro will be eager to learn about the new features that will be introduced to this spatial computer later this autumn.
For instance, Apple is finally launching the Personas feature beyond beta. The revamped Personas are significantly more expressive, refined, and present a complete side profile view with precise hair, eyelashes, and skin tones. Apple is also investing in additional spatial features, merging Virtual and Augmented Reality functionalities.
visionOS 26 beta 5 brings a spatial world to life
Scientific Research Discovers Link Between Energy Beverages and Cancer Risk
Nature has pinpointed taurine as a concerning amino acid in the context of leukemia. Researchers found that leukemia cells utilize taurine from bone marrow to promote tumor growth. This raises the issue of whether additional taurine intake from energy beverages could potentially exacerbate leukemia. The findings remain uncertain on this front, yet they have paved the way for new studies concentrating solely on taurine.
The relationship between taurine and cancer
Apple Introduces Developer Beta 5 for visionOS 26
### Apple Unveils visionOS 26 Developer Beta 5
Apple has unveiled the fifth developer beta for visionOS 26, aligning with the launch of macOS 26 developer beta 5 and updates across its other operating systems. The latest visionOS beta carries the build number 23M5311g.
#### How to Join the Developer Beta Program
For developers eager to experiment with the new features of visionOS 26 on Apple Vision Pro, joining the developer beta program is simple. Follow these instructions:
1. Access the Settings app.
2. Tap on “General.”
3. Select “Software Update.”
4. Click on “Beta Updates.”
5. Choose “visionOS Developer Beta.”
#### What’s New in visionOS 26?
Unveiled during WWDC25, visionOS 26 brings a variety of thrilling features:
– **Spatial Widgets:** Enhanced interaction and usability within the immersive setting.
– **Refined Personas Feature:** An upgraded user experience customized to personal preferences.
– **Support for 180-degree and 360-degree Videos:** Compatibility with action cameras like Insta360 and GoPro.
– **PSVR 2 Controller Support:** Broadened gaming functionalities with the integration of popular VR controllers.
– **New Jupiter Immersive Environment:** An innovative, engaging virtual space for users to explore.
– **Logitech Muse Support:** Compatibility with a new stylus-like device, boosting creative possibilities.
While Apple has yet to announce any new features or changes in this latest beta release apart from standard improvements and bug fixes, developers are invited to explore and report any significant changes they find.
As the community engages with the beta, feedback and findings can be shared in the comments, fostering a collaborative space for developers testing these fresh features.
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watchOS 26 Beta 5 Now Ready for Apple Watch Users
### New watchOS 26 Beta Now Available for Developers, with Public Beta Expected Soon
Apple has just unveiled watchOS 26 beta 5, the most recent update for developers participating in the Apple Watch beta program. August sees the launch of a fresh wave of beta software from Apple, and although today’s releases are solely for developers, public betas are likely to be released in the near future.
The launch of watchOS 26 beta 5 corresponds with Apple’s historical timeline for software updates. As we get closer to the public rollout of the software, which is just over a month away, the release cadence is anticipated to transition to a more consistent weekly pattern.
#### Key Features of watchOS 26
So far, some prominent features in watchOS 26 for Apple Watch users comprise:
– **Wrist Flick**: A new gesture for rapid interactions.
– **Workout Buddy**: A feature aimed at improving workout experiences.
– **Watch Face ‘Hints’**: Suggestions and tips for personalizing watch faces.
– **Enhanced Smart Replies**: Improved functionality for replying to messages.
– **Notes App**: A new tool for quickly jotting down notes.
– **Liquid Glass Design**: An upgraded look for watch interfaces.
Beta 5 generally indicates the phase where Apple incorporates some of its final adjustments before concentrating on stability for the public launch. Throughout the watchOS 26 beta period, significant alterations have been observed, particularly in the new Workout design and UI enhancements related to the Liquid Glass feature.
The design elements presented in beta 5 are expected to closely resemble what will be found in the public version next month.
Have you observed any modifications in watchOS 26 beta 5? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Apple Unveils iOS 26 Beta 5 for iPhone Owners
# iOS 26 Developer Beta 5 Has Been Released
Apple has unveiled the fifth developer beta iteration of iOS 26, with a formal release anticipated next month. The newest build, marked as 23A5308g, comes right on the heels of the initial public beta version launched just a week ago.
Apple characterizes iOS 26 as offering a breathtaking new interface, robust Apple Intelligence functionalities, and innovative methods to maintain connectivity through the Phone and Messages apps. Moreover, it encompasses thrilling enhancements to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.
## Major Updates in iOS 26 Beta Variants
### Enhancements in Beta 2
In iOS 26 beta 2, users benefited from design modifications that featured improved legibility for the Control Center, enhanced menu structuring in Safari, and bolstered accessibility options with borders added to High Contrast Mode.
### Updates in Beta 3
The third beta version brought opacity to certain transparent tab bars and introduced new wallpaper shades, elevating the overall visual appeal of the interface.
### Revisions in Beta 4
Beta 4 reverted the opacity modifications, ensuring full transparency in the Notification Center until it is completely accessed. Furthermore, this version reinstated notification summaries for news and entertainment applications, a feature that had been suspended due to worries about possible misinterpretations of headlines.
## Compatibility and Specifications
iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later models, including the iPhone 11 and successors. The latest version to support older devices such as iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max is iOS 18. Users must upgrade their devices to take advantage of the latest features and design elements. Notably, functionalities that utilize Apple Intelligence necessitate an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any model from the iPhone 16 lineup.
Keep an eye on 9to5Mac for continuous updates and a detailed list of modifications in iOS 26 beta.
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iPadOS 26 Beta 5 Released: Major Features and Anticipations
### iPadOS 26 Developer Beta 5: What to Anticipate
The rollout of iPadOS 26 developer beta 5 is underway, bringing forth the latest modifications prior to the software’s public debut set for next month. This update holds importance as it signifies a shift in Apple’s beta testing timeline.
#### Transition to Weekly Beta Releases
As August arrives, Apple usually transitions its beta release timeline to a weekly rhythm. Beta 5 comes roughly two weeks after the launch of developer beta 4 and the inaugural public beta. Traditionally, this timing suggests that Apple is preparing for an increase in update frequency as the public launch draws nearer.
Key aspects of this update include:
1. **Shift to Weekly Releases**: August generally marks a shift to weekly beta releases from Apple, implying that developers should anticipate more updates in a condensed timeframe.
2. **Significant Modifications and Stabilization**: Beta 5 often brings some of the final major changes before the emphasis turns to stabilization. This indicates that while some new features might be added, the upcoming updates will probably concentrate on bug resolutions and performance enhancements.
With just over a month left until the public launch of iPadOS 26, the existing biweekly beta schedule is likely to evolve into weekly updates. Nonetheless, these future releases might showcase fewer prominent changes as Apple fine-tunes the software for its ultimate release.
#### Historical Background
In years past, as observed with iOS 18, beta 5 represented a critical juncture where Apple revealed substantial design updates, especially within the Photos application. Subsequent to this, the focus shifted to troubleshooting and bolstering stability in preparation for the public launch. This trend implies that iPadOS 26 beta 5 could also offer significant updates, as Apple makes ready for a month of minor tweaks.
#### Public Beta Participants
For individuals utilizing the public beta, there is no update available at this moment. However, new public betas are anticipated to be issued within the next day or so, in sync with the developer beta timeline.
#### Community Involvement
As users delve into iPadOS 26 beta 5, feedback is welcomed. If any new features or alterations are identified, users can share their observations in the comments section.
### Conclusion
iPadOS 26 developer beta 5 is a vital milestone in the countdown to the public release, with expected changes and a transition to a quicker beta cycle. As Apple gets ready for the concluding phases of development, users can anticipate a polished experience in the forthcoming public version.
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OpenAI Unveils Two Open-Weight AI Models, Tailored for Apple Silicon Macs
**OpenAI Launches New Open-Weight AI Models: gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b**
OpenAI has announced the launch of two fresh open-weight AI models, gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b, representing a major advancement in the availability of AI technology. These models are now free for download, fulfilling OpenAI’s earlier pledge to release open-weight models this year.
### What Are Open-Weight Models?
Open-weight models are AI frameworks that can be downloaded and run on local devices, removing the necessity for an internet connection to access a model supplier’s server. This capability allows developers to craft tailored applications utilizing these models, promoting innovation and experimentation in AI creation.
### Model Specifications
OpenAI designates the gpt-oss-20b as a medium-sized model, whereas the gpt-oss-120b is regarded as a large-sized model. The smaller version is geared towards systems equipped with at least 16GB of VRAM or unified memory, making it ideal for high-end consumer GPUs and Apple Silicon Macs. Conversely, the larger model necessitates a minimum of 60GB of VRAM or unified memory, which makes it more resource-intensive in terms of hardware requirements.
### Demand for Open-Weight Models
The launch of these models is a reaction to the climbing pressure from competitors, especially after the emergence of DeepSeek in China. OpenAI had not unveiled an open-weight model since 2019, and these new offerings aim to address the increasing demand for accessible AI resources from the team behind ChatGPT.
### Real-World Performance
Although the gpt-oss models may not represent the most powerful AI solutions available from OpenAI, they are intended to provide solid real-world performance. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, underscored the potential of the gpt-oss models, spotlighting their practicality and effectiveness across a range of applications.
### Conclusion
OpenAI’s introduction of the gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b models signifies a notable move towards making advanced AI technology more accessible. Developers and enthusiasts can now utilize these open-weight models to devise innovative solutions without the limitations of server dependence. For further details on these models, please visit OpenAI’s official website.
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