Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 26, making the new software accessible to a wider audience after initial developer testing. Read on to find out how to get your device ready and install the beta version.
Signing up to try the iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 public beta is straightforward. You can enrol your iPhone or iPad for free through Apple’s Beta Software Program. The steps for installing the beta are listed further down in this article, but before diving in, there are a few things you should know.
Is My iPhone Compatible With iOS 26?
iOS 26 is supported on the iPhone 11 series and newer. That includes the following models:
-
iPhone 16e
-
iPhone 16
-
iPhone 16 Plus
-
iPhone 16 Pro
-
iPhone 16 Pro Max
-
iPhone 15
-
iPhone 15 Plus
-
iPhone 15 Pro
-
iPhone 15 Pro Max
-
iPhone 14
-
iPhone 14 Plus
-
iPhone 14 Pro
-
iPhone 14 Pro Max
-
iPhone 13
-
iPhone 13 mini
-
iPhone 13 Pro
-
iPhone 13 Pro Max
-
iPhone 12
-
iPhone 12 mini
-
iPhone 12 Pro
-
iPhone 12 Pro Max
-
iPhone 11
-
iPhone 11 Pro
-
iPhone 11 Pro Max
-
iPhone SE [2nd generation and later]
Should I Install the iOS 26 Public Beta?
A good question. While it’s exciting to try new features early, Apple advises against installing beta versions on your primary iPhone. Beta software can be unstable, with bugs and glitches that may impact performance or break certain apps and functions. If you have a secondary device, that’s the better option for testing. Apple will continue refining iOS 26 before the official launch, so it’s best to be cautious.
Make an Archived Backup of Your Device First
Before installing the beta, be sure to back up your iPhone. Without a backup, you won’t be able to revert to iOS 18 if something goes wrong.
To back up your device:
-
Connect your iPhone to your Mac using the cable provided.
-
When prompted, click Allow to approve the connection.
-
Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in your Dock.
-
Select your iPhone from the sidebar to begin the backup process.
-
If this is the first time connecting your device to your Mac, click Trust in the Finder window.
- Tap Trust on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.
- In the General tab, click the circle next to where it says Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.
- If you want to encrypt the backup, check the box next to Encrypt local backup, then enter a password to protect your data.
- If you don't want to create an encrypted backup, or you've already set up encrypted backups, click Back Up Now.
Once the backup is complete, you'll see the date and time of the last backup in the General tab, just above the “Manage Backups” button. This backup won’t be overwritten by future manual or automatic backups, so you’ll be able to restore it at any time using the “Restore Backup…” option in the same Finder window.
How to Download iOS 26 Public Beta
Downloading and install the iOS 26 Public Beta is very straightforward. Simply follow these steps:
- Head over to Apple's Beta Software Program website and sign up using your Apple Account credentials.
- Now go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update on your iPhone.
- Tap Beta Updates. If you don't see the option, try switching off Download iOS Updates (Automatic Updates ➝ Download iOS Updates), then tap Back and it should appear.
- Select iOS 26 Public Beta in the list, then tap Back.
- Wait for the Software Update screen to check Apple's servers. When the iOS 26 Public Beta appears, tap Download and Install, then follow the instructions and wait for installation to complete.
iOS 26 Features
iOS 26 brings a bold new system-wide design featuring Liquid Glass - a translucent material that reflects and refracts your surroundings, reacting fluidly to your touch. This refreshed look extends across the Lock Screen, Home Screen, toolbars, navigation elements, app icons, and widgets.
iOS 26 also introduces a range of new Apple Intelligence features. Live Translation is now built into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, making real-time multilingual conversations seamless and private — all processed on-device. Visual Intelligence allows you to ask questions about what’s currently on your screen, while smarter Shortcuts with intelligent actions make automations even easier to set up.
Communication apps get clever upgrades too. The redesigned Phone app combines Favourites, Recents, and Voicemails into a single view, and adds useful tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist. Messages now includes filtered inboxes for unknown senders, group chat typing indicators, custom backgrounds, polls, and Apple Cash transfers.
CarPlay has been refreshed to match the Liquid Glass aesthetic, and now supports compact call notifications, tappable message reactions, pinned conversations, widgets, and Live Activities for a more connected driving experience.
Several core Apple apps have also been enhanced:
-
Apple Music now offers Lyrics Translation, Pronunciation tools, and DJ-style AutoMix transitions
-
Maps adds “Visited Places” with enhanced privacy and smarter route suggestions
-
Wallet supports instalment and rewards-based payments, refreshed boarding passes with Live Activities, and tighter integration with Maps and Find My
-
A brand-new Games app acts as a central hub for mobile gaming, featuring a unified library, Apple Arcade support, live event tracking, and friend status visibility