If you’ve been waiting sinceWWDCin June to try outiOS 26, the wait is finally over. Apple has announced that the first public betas for its major upcoming software updates are now available, allowing you to test iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 before their official fall release.
The most significant change in iOS 26 is Apple’s newLiquid Glassdesign language, which adds a transparent glass effect to many user interface elements. Inspired by visionOS, Liquid Glass aims to create a consistent look across all of Apple’s devices, which now all showcase the design with this new update.
If you want to take the plunge and try out Liquid Glass andother new featurescoming to iOS 26 early, it’s a simple process to download the beta on your iPhone to test.
With iOS 26, Apple is finally taking the iPhone’s phone app seriously
By far, iOS 26’s most useful new features are Call Screening and Hold Assist – here’s why.
How to install the iOS 26 public beta
You’ll need to register for Apple’s beta program
To try out iOS 26’s public beta yourself, signing up and installing it is simple – just follow these steps:
2. Then on your iPhone, go toSettings.
3. SelectGeneralin the list of options.
4. TapSoftware Update.
5. Under Beta Updates, chooseiOS 26 Public Beta.
- The iOS 26 Beta should now be available to download and install.
Before you start downloading the beta on your device, make sure you back up your phone by going toSettings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
Remember, this is a public beta for iOS 26, so there’s a good chance you’ll encounter bugs that Apple still needs to fix before iOS 26 officially launches this fall. If you want to avoid any issues on your iPhone, it’s best to wait until the official release. If you have an old iPhone lying around, I recommend installing the beta on it instead of your main iPhone.
5 impactful iOS 26 changes you may have missed during Apple’s WWDC keynote
iOS 26 has officially been unveiled, and here five of the most useful features coming with the update.
Which iPhones support the iOS 26 public beta?
The iPhone SE 2nd generation right up to the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Most iPhones released in the past six years support iOS 26. Notably, the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, all released in 2018, won’t support iOS 26. you’re able to check out a complete list of all the models that support iOS 26 below.
Why I’m actually a little excited for iOS 26’s Adaptive Power Mode
It’s both an answer to complaints and setting the stage for new ultra-thin iPhones.
