Apple’s iOS 26.1 Beta Introduces Liquid Glass Feature, M5 Vision Pro Tested as Formula 1 Partnership Confirmed

New Liquid Glass Setting Sparks iOS Design Debate

Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 beta 4 includes a previously unseen “Liquid Glass” toggle in Settings, according to reports from 9to5Mac’s Benjamin and Chance. The inclusion of this feature has generated discussion about whether it reflects Apple’s confidence in its current software design direction. Analysts suggest the setting could relate to display technology or interface fluidity, though its exact purpose remains unspecified in the current beta release.

New Liquid Glass Setting Sparks iOS Design Debate
Formula 1 Streaming Partnership Finalized
Hands-On Experience with M5 Vision Pro
iPhone Air Performance Under Scrutiny
Industry Implications and Future Developments

Formula 1 Streaming Partnership Finalized

Apple has officially confirmed its Formula 1 streaming deal, the report states, bringing premium racing content to Apple TV+ subscribers. The partnership represents another major sports acquisition for Apple’s streaming service, following previous deals with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. Sources indicate the F1 content will include live races, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and original programming focused on the racing series.

Hands-On Experience with M5 Vision Pro

Early testing of the upcoming M5 Vision Pro headset has provided insights into Apple’s mixed reality ambitions, according to Chance Miller’s hands-on experience. The next-generation device reportedly features significant performance improvements over previous models, though specific technical specifications and release timing remain undisclosed. The hands-on session suggests Apple continues to refine its spatial computing platform ahead of broader consumer availability.

iPhone Air Performance Under Scrutiny

In additional coverage available to Happy Hour Plus subscribers, Benjamin and Chance discussed reports indicating the iPhone Air may be facing weaker-than-expected sales. The analysis comes approximately one month after the device’s release, with the hosts sharing their personal experiences and market observations. According to their discussion, the device’s market reception appears to be falling short of initial projections, though official sales figures have not been released by Apple.

Industry Implications and Future Developments

The combination of these developments paints a picture of Apple’s current strategic direction across multiple product categories. The Liquid Glass setting discovery suggests ongoing software experimentation, while the F1 partnership strengthens Apple’s position in live sports streaming. The M5 Vision Pro testing indicates continued investment in augmented and virtual reality technologies, despite reported challenges in other product segments. Industry watchers suggest these moves represent Apple’s broader approach to maintaining innovation across its ecosystem while expanding into new content and technology domains.

For additional analysis and extended coverage of these developments, the full Happy Hour Plus episode is available through subscription at 9to5mac.com/join.