Apple has released the latest iOS 26.1 Developer Preview Beta 3, with an internal version number of 23B5064e. This version brings multiple feature enhancements and important system improvements.

Core Feature Updates

  1. Audio Recording Enhancements: Apple has improved the audio recording feature, allowing users to directly adjust the gain level when recording local audio using an external microphone, thus achieving more precise volume control. Additionally, users can now customize the storage location of recorded files or choose to record in audio-only mode.

  2. Optimization for Third-Party Smartwatches: New code in this version indicates that Apple is continuously optimizing the "Notification Forwarding" feature, which is used to push iPhone notifications to smartwatches from other brands. In the future, iPhone users using third-party smartwatches other than Apple Watch may enjoy a better notification experience.

iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple Phone

The most notable update concerns improvements to Apple Intelligence. According to analysis by 9to5Mac, new strings in the code suggest that Apple is preparing to introduce more third-party AI providers for "Apple Intelligence."

Apple has previously confirmed its collaboration with OpenAI. However, the new code indicates that Apple is preparing to support more third-party AI beyond ChatGPT, which could mean that other AI models, such as Google's Gemini, may soon be integrated into the iOS system.