Apple is set to roll out the first iOS 26 public beta this week, following its announcement at WWDC 2025. The company had initially indicated a July launch window, but did not provide an exact date. Developers have already been testing the update since its unveiling in June.
iOS 26 introduces a sweeping “Liquid Glass” redesign, bringing translucent UI layers, fluid animations, and refreshed app icons. Under the hood, advanced Apple Intelligence features promise real-time call translation, smarter suggestions, and enhanced Visual Intelligence that adapts to user context. The update also debuts an Apple Games app, a unified hub for discovering and managing titles across devices.
Supported iPhone Models
The public beta will be available on the following iPhones Models:
- iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
Apple may release iOS 26 support for iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max.
Apple Intelligence capabilities – like on-device inference and real-time features – will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
Key Features
Design Overhaul
- Translucent interface layers
- Smooth, context-aware animations
- Enhanced widget customization on Home and Lock Screens
Apple Intelligence
- Live call and message translation
- Smarter in-app suggestions
- Contextual actions via Visual Intelligence
- Genmoji custom emoji creator and ChatGPT-style image generation
Core App Enhancements
- Phone: Merged Recents, Favourites, Voicemails, Call Screening, Hold Assist
- Messages: Group typing indicators, poll creation, sender screening, Apple Cash integration
- Apple Games: Centralized game library, progress tracking, Apple Arcade navigation
Other Improvements
- Music: AutoMix playlists, live lyrics translation
- Maps: Encrypted location history
- Wallet: Real-time travel notifications
- AirPods: Studio-quality recordings, voice isolation, remote camera control
- CarPlay: Pinned messages, Live Activities, revamped call interface
- Accessibility: Expanded reader tools, Braille support, Live Listen and Personal Voice updates
How to Download and Install
- Enrol in the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
- On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap “Beta Updates” and choose “iOS 26 Public Beta.”
- Return to Software Update, accept the terms, and begin the download.
- The installation will proceed automatically once the download completes.
Before installing the beta, back up your device to iCloud or a computer to safeguard your data.
