iOS 26 beta 6 speeds up app launches

A beta update brings faster app launch animations as Apple tests a broader redesign.

iOS 26 beta 6 speeds app launches with Liquid Glass redesign

A new iOS 26 beta 6 build includes a noticeably faster app launch animation. The change is most visible when tapping icons on the Home Screen, shortening the gap between the tap and the app opening. The app’s own load time remains tied to how recently it was used, so the improvement is mainly about perceived speed rather than raw startup performance.

Apple frames this as part of a broader Liquid Glass redesign that aims for a smoother, more cohesive feel across the system. Some observers see the quicker launches as intentional, designed to boost user satisfaction with snappiness rather than deliver new fast loading apps. Whether this is a temporary beta adjustment or a deliberate feature will become clearer with future builds and broader testing.

This move shows how much weight tech makers place on perception. A faster animation can make the entire device feel more responsive even if actual loading times stay roughly the same. If launches vary by how recently you used an app, users may notice inconsistencies that could undermine trust over time.

Developers should watch how this interacts with battery life and resource use during startup. If Apple wants Liquid Glass to read as fast, it may push developers to optimize startup sequences and animation budgets. The beta phase invites feedback to balance visual polish with reliability.

Highlights

Time will tell if speed translates into lasting value.