It's been a whirlwind in Apple's software division, with the unveiling of iOS 26.1 and updates across their ecosystems. Shortly after, they rolled out the 26.2 betas, which, if you're a tech enthusiast like me, hints at a bunch of modifications on the horizon. I always find these iterative updates fascinating; they show how a company like Apple continues to refine and improve its products based on user feedback and internal innovation.

About six weeks after the initial launch of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Apple released version 26.1. Now, what does this bring to the table? For starters, there's a new toggle to tweak the transparency of Liquid Glass, giving you more control over the visual aesthetics. They've also added an option to disable the Lock Screen swipe gesture – something I know many users have requested to prevent accidental camera access. I think it's great when companies listen to user complaints and provide simple solutions like this.

Not long after the 26.1 release, Apple dropped the first developer beta of iOS 26.2, giving developers a sneak peek at the forthcoming December release. It's interesting to see how quickly Apple moves from one update to the next. This new beta includes a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen clock and updates to the Sleep Score function. If you're in the EU, you're in luck: you’ll gain access to Live Translation on AirPods! However, there's a trade-off; you will lose automatic Wi-Fi network syncing between your iPhone and Apple Watch.

According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple plans to release at least 15 new products in 2026, potentially including a revamp of their smart home platform. While this is exciting, it also means that if you're waiting for some new Macs, you might have to hold out until next year. I think they might introduce updates to products like the Apple TV and HomePod mini before the year ends. It's always a guessing game, though! What will they surprise us with?

There's buzz about the iPhone 18 Pro models potentially sporting a new, rich color, whether it will be coffee, purple, or burgundy, remains to be seen. One of these color options may make it to the production line. It is worth to note that these rumors should be taken with a pinch of salt.

And there's more! The enhanced version of Siri, anticipated around March or April next year, will utilize a customized version of Google Gemini. With this movement, Apple is trying to improve its AI features. It is said that Apple will pay Google around $1 billion each year for an AI model to power Siri. It seems like a hefty investment, but if it delivers a truly smarter Siri, it might just be worth it.

Also, now that it's November, Black Friday deals are starting to pop up everywhere. So, if you're in the market for Apple products, keep an eye out for those early sales!