Minecraft 26.0.23

We tested Minecraft 26.0.23 on two devices: the budget Xiaomi Redmi 9A and the more powerful Samsung Galaxy A54. The Redmi 9A showed fewer micro-stutters, while the A54 delivered almost flawless performance with no FPS drops.

Minecraft 26.0.23 Preview APK is a new step in the 2026 development cycle, focused on stability, graphical refinement, smarter mob behavior, and improved tools for creators. This build belongs to the year-based version line that now starts with “26” and may appear as 26.0.24 on Windows, while internally remaining the same update. To evaluate how the new APK build performs on real hardware, the version was tested on two popular smartphones: the budget-friendly Moto E13 and the more powerful Google Pixel 6a.

Overview of Minecraft 26.0.23 Preview

When you download Minecraft 26.0.23 Preview APK, you get access to a set of early changes that prepare Bedrock Edition for the 2026 update wave. Mojang is not adding massive content features in this build; instead, the focus is on cleaning up bugs, improving engine behavior, and tightening parity with Java where it matters most. This makes the version particularly attractive for players who want a stable preview APK with smooth visuals and improved performance.

Key reasons to download Minecraft 26.0.23

Graphics and rendering upgrades

One of the strongest arguments in favor of the Minecraft 26.0.23 Preview APK is its extensive list of visual fixes. Screenshots captured with Ray Traced graphics now render correctly, block highlight outlines remain visible even with Vibrant Visuals tweaks, and graphics mode options no longer randomly change after updates. Flickering of dithered objects at 50% resolution has been resolved, darker skin tones no longer look washed out, and End Portal lighting behaves properly with resource packs that use point lights.

Water, fog, and biome color tuning

The update refines how water and fog layers are drawn, fixing cases where water extinction appeared on top of missing chunks. A new biome_water_color_contribution parameter lets creators control how much biome-based water tint affects the final image, which is especially useful for ocean maps and custom APK builds with modified visuals.

Mobs and AI improvements

Mobs receive significant AI adjustments. Nautilus and other underwater creatures now move more naturally: they are less likely to get stuck on block edges, they navigate around obstacles instead of moving in a straight line, and they no longer spin or crawl when traveling vertically. Baby variants of Zombies, Drowned, Husks, and Zombie Villagers once again drop items on death, while baby Squid and Glow Squid no longer provide loot. Spawn chances for Trident-using Drowned and Copper-armored riders have been tuned to match Java Edition more closely.

Audio and ambient behavior

Nautilus, Baby Nautilus, and Zombie Nautilus now have expanded sound design. New swim, ambient, hurt, and death sounds — including distinct land-based variants — make underwater gameplay more immersive even in the preview APK.

Gameplay fixes and item tuning

The classic “Johnny” Vindicator behavior has been restored: renamed Vindicators now attack all non-illager targets. Spears rotate consistently in both first- and third-person views while charging, bundles in chests save their contents reliably after worlds reload, and armor items display accurate toughness, armor, and knockback resistance values.

Controls, UI, and player experience

Input stability improvements

Version 26.0.23 removes several frustrating control issues. Pressing the Alt key no longer freezes the display, the on-screen keyboard closes properly when a physical keyboard is used, and text fields accept input correctly even when hovered with a mouse. On Windows, the camera no longer shifts after exiting the pause menu, and the window size no longer resets.

Interaction and animation fixes

A large set of interactions now correctly trigger hand-swing animations again. This includes leashing mobs, feeding taming items, healing animals, attaching Balloons, using Name Tags, riding, trading, opening inventories, applying dyes, interacting with Redstone Ore, Beehives, curing Zombie Villagers, shearing, and milking. These fixes improve the tactile feel of the APK build significantly.

Creator-focused and technical updates

Command macros and editor tools

The Creator Settings screen now supports command macros using Alt-based key chords. In the Editor, new tag-editing tools, updated Terrain Tool icons, improved settings persistence, and fixes for Smart Fill crashes make map-building smoother even for users working with custom APK modifications.

API, JSON schemas, and component changes

The @minecraft/server 2.5.0 API update resolves multiple scripting issues and adds missing block components like precipitation interactions, Redstone producers, map colors, and movement flags. AI goal schemas for nearest_attackable_target, guardian attack, timer flags, and dwelling restrictions have been tightened, preventing invalid JSON from loading in newer format versions — an improvement especially noticeable for custom APK behavior packs.

Biomes, blocks, and damage system

Biome namespaces now behave consistently, the minecraft:redstone_consumer component is stable for new formats, and the minecraft:damage item component supports a wider value range. Schema cleanups remove redundant array fields, simplifying tools used by APK modders and creators.

Performance on mobile devices

Moto E13 — budget device testing

On the Moto E13, the Minecraft 26.0.23 Preview APK runs surprisingly smoothly for a budget-tier device. Chunk loading, underwater rendering, and general navigation feel more consistent than in previous builds.

Google Pixel 6a — mid-range device testing

On the Google Pixel 6a, the APK demonstrates excellent responsiveness. Vibrant Visuals, Ray Traced screenshots, Redstone, and dense mob areas run without major performance drops, making this device ideal for long-session preview testing.