Download iOS 26 Public Beta: Your Complete Guide to the New iPhone & iPad Update

iOS 26 public beta is available to download: Everything you need to know about the new iPhone and iPad update

Get ready, iPhone fans! Access to iOS 26 is just around the corner, with the full release expected this fall. But why wait? You can dive into all the new features right now by downloading Apple’s public beta. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently shared that this beta (along with other current beta operating systems) is “by far the most popular developer betas we’ve had,” as reported by *9to5Mac*.

We’ve also had a sneak peek at the iOS 26 public beta, which showcases a stunning redesign of the home and lock screens. This fresh new look, dubbed Liquid Glass, introduces a translucent aesthetic that will extend across all of Apple’s upcoming operating systems. This visual overhaul is just one of many significant changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and the rest of Apple’s software suite, all unveiled during the company’s WWDC keynote on June 9th.

After focusing heavily on AI plans last year, Apple has shifted its iOS roadmap to deliver more practical, quality-of-life improvements this year. Expect useful additions to your Phone and Messages apps, such as the ability to filter out spam texts from unknown senders and a handy new option to “hold your spot” when waiting on a customer service line. Plus, a beloved feature you might have missed is making a comeback in the Photos app!

Siri, however, is in a bit of a holding pattern. Apple previously indicated that its smarter voice assistant, initially promised at WWDC 2024, is delayed until “in the coming year.” So, don’t expect major changes for Siri in the current betas. However, there are whispers that Apple is looking to supercharge Siri by potentially integrating third-party AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude, which could make 2026 a monumental year. The company is also reportedly working on its own ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.

With each new beta release, more improvements keep emerging. For instance, a new FaceTime feature can now freeze your video if it detects nudity – a safety feature that uses on-device detection to protect privacy. The latest iOS 26 developer beta 5 introduces even more additions, like a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center, as noted by *MacRumors*. Many of these changes are expected to migrate to the public beta soon. Most newer iPhone models are eligible for the iOS 26 update (both beta and final versions). Want the full scoop on all the new features coming this fall? Keep reading!

What is iOS 26?

If you’re currently running iOS 18 (which is still receiving updates, with version 18.6 recently released), don’t expect to see an “iOS 19.” Instead, Apple is jumping straight to iOS 26 later this year. The company has decided to align its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So, even though iOS 26 and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they’re all designated “26” to reflect the year ahead.

What is Liquid Glass design?

Let’s be honest: out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design truly stole the show. The iPhone’s home and lock screens have largely remained the same for years – the last significant change (in my opinion) was the ability to customize your home screen with personalized app icons and widgets. So, seeing this fresh facelift for the home and lock screens is incredibly refreshing.

So, what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple describes it as a “new translucent material” because, well, the apps and widgets appear clear. However, the screen can still seamlessly adapt to dark and light modes based on your surroundings. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They’re designed to be less distracting than current buttons while remaining easy to see. While this design overhaul has certainly sparked debate since its announcement, many, including Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar, appreciate the new direction, even if it brings a nostalgic hint of Microsoft’s translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from almost two decades ago.

That said, as of the iOS 26 beta 2 release, Apple has already incorporated user feedback into the design, subtly dialing back the transparency in some areas. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won’t be able to avoid it: Liquid Glass was created to make all of Apple’s operating systems more cohesive. Imagine this translucent aesthetic gracing your desktop with the new macOS Tahoe 26.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 is packed with new features. Here are some of the most worthwhile:

* Phone app redesign: You’ll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also includes a new feature called Hold Assist, which notifies you when a representative is ready to speak, so you can skip the elevator music and tackle other tasks.
* Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages: iOS 26 introduces the ability to converse via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which can lead to a slightly stop-and-go interaction, as demonstrated by Apple.
* Polls in group chats: Tired of sifting through countless messages in your group chat to make a decision? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for things like choosing a brunch spot or deciding whose car to take on a road trip.
* Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, consider yourself fortunate. For the rest of us, those annoying messages will soon be automatically filtered into a separate folder.
* Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature lets you search for anything on your iPhone screen. For example, if you see a cool pair of shoes in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those exact shoes (or similar ones) online.
* Photos tabs are back: For anyone still frustrated by the Photos app changes made last year, you’ll be delighted to know your beloved tabs are returning. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces, saving you endless scrolling to find what you’re looking for.
* FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 is the FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature, which pauses communications if nudity is detected. This appears to be a child safety feature that utilizes on-device detection, thus avoiding any cloud-based privacy concerns.
* New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen becomes even more customizable in iOS 26, featuring a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets, and improved Focus Mode options.

New changes coming to iPadOS 26

Your iPad isn’t being left behind when it comes to major updates. Here’s what’s in store this fall:

* Multitasking and real windowing: With the newest update, you’ll be able to run multiple apps on your screen simultaneously. Once you open an app, it will appear as normal, but you’ll have the flexibility to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional, so you can turn it off if it’s not for you.
* Visual update: Alongside the other new operating systems, iPadOS 26 will also feature the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look will enhance the lock and home screens, as well as drop-down menus.
* New menu bar: When you swipe down on your screen, a new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows, and more. There’s also a search option if you’re looking for something specific within the app.

What about AirPods?

AirPods are also receiving updates with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions:

* Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this “studio-quality” audio recording. With it, you’ll experience greater clarity even in noisy environments.
* Camera remote control: Using this feature, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just a single press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you’ll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

A few older iPhone models that run the current version of iOS—specifically the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max—will not be compatible with the latest upgrade. However, any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be eligible for the iOS 26 update.

* iPhone SE (second generation or later)
* iPhone 11
* iPhone 11 Pro
* iPhone 11 Pro Max
* iPhone 12
* iPhone 12 mini
* iPhone 12 Pro
* iPhone 12 Pro Max
* iPhone 13
* iPhone 13 mini
* iPhone 13 Pro
* iPhone 13 Pro Max
* iPhone 14
* iPhone 14 Plus
* iPhone 14 Pro
* iPhone 14 Pro Max
* iPhone 15
* iPhone 15 Plus
* iPhone 15 Pro
* iPhone 15 Pro Max
* iPhone 16e
* iPhone 16
* iPhone 16 Plus
* iPhone 16 Pro
* iPhone 16 Pro Max

This list does not include the presumed new iPhone 17 models (or perhaps iPhone 26?) that are almost certainly going to be announced and released in September.

How to install iOS 26 beta

The iOS 26 public beta is now available for download through the Apple Beta Software Program. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Simply visit beta.apple.com and sign up with your phone number or email address—it’s free.

Once you’re registered, you can install the beta by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta.

A word of caution: Do not install the beta on your main iPhone unless you are fully prepared for any potential risks that come with using an operating system that is not yet finalized.

When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?

iOS 26 will be released to the public this fall, typically in September, within about a week of Apple’s annual iPhone event. Last year, for example, it rolled out to iPhone users on September 16th, exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced.

If you’re particularly interested in the Apple Intelligence features that are on the horizon, keep an eye out for updates. Additionally, early iOS 26 screenshots might offer an intriguing glimpse into Apple’s delayed Siri rework.