Apple Releases iPadOS 26.1 Public Beta 3 with Updated Apple TV App Icon and Local Capture Settings
Apple released public beta 3 for iPadOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and watchOS 26.1 today, October 14, 2025, bringing minor user-facing changes as the company nears the public launch of these software updates.
A key visual update included in the beta is a redesigned Apple TV app icon, featuring a more colorful design across iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS; this change aligns with Apple’s recent rebranding of Apple TV+ to simply ‘Apple TV.’ Additionally, iPadOS 26.1 public beta 3 introduces a ‘Local Capture’ menu within Settings, accessible via Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Local Capture, allowing users to customize where recordings from calls are saved within the Files app and toggle an ‘Audio Only’ recording option. This feature, introduced in iPadOS 26, aims to enhance productivity for tasks like podcasting and note-taking.
While significant changes are becoming less frequent in these beta releases, Apple appears to be focusing on refining existing features and addressing bug fixes. Notably, the updated Slide Over functionality, which currently supports only a single app at a time, remains unchanged in this beta. For users interested in exploring compatible accessories, a range of iPad accessories are available to enhance the user experience. Apple’s commitment to iterative improvements is crucial for maintaining a stable and user-friendly ecosystem, as noted by industry analysts at The Verge.
Apple expects to widely release iPadOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and watchOS 26.1 later this month, and will continue to gather feedback from public beta testers in the interim.
Public beta 3 is here for iPadOS 26.1 and more. Here’s what’s new in Apple’s just-released wave of new beta software updates.
Public beta 3 brings new, colorful Apple TV app icon and more
One day after shipping beta 3 to developers, Apple has just released public beta 3 for iPadOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and more.
We’re getting closer to the wide public launch of these software updates, with a late October release expected.
As such, user-facing changes in each new beta have started becoming harder to find.
One highlight of public beta 3 across all relevant platforms is that it brings a new look to the Apple TV app icon.
The icon has been revised with a more colorful design across iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, macOS, and more.
This change is no doubt part of Apple’s recently announced rebranding of Apple TV+ into just ‘Apple TV.’
Another update in iPadOS 26.1 public beta 3 is the arrival of a ‘Local Capture’ menu in Settings.
Local Capture was one of the many new productivity-focused features introduced in iPadOS 26. It offers new tools for recording audio and video from calls, which among other use cases is perfect for podcasting.
Now, by visiting Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Local Capture, you can change where recordings are saved in Apple’s Files app, and also use a new ‘Audio Only’ toggle.
Other user-facing updates in public beta 3 are pretty minimal, as Apple seems to be turning its focus more to bug fixes and performance improvements with the public launch approaching.
Notably, one thing that hasn’t changed in beta 3 is Slide Over. Apple appears intent on shipping its new Slide Over implementation with support for only a single app at a time.
Have you discovered anything new in public beta 3 for iPadOS 26.1 or another release? Let us know in the comments.
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