If you’ve been itching to poke around Apple’s next big iPhone update, today’s your day.
Apple just opened the first iOS 26 public beta (July 23) to anyone in its free Beta Software Program, letting everyday users try the new OS months before it ships alongside the iPhone 17 this fall. The public beta follows six weeks of dev-only releases, capped yesterday with developer beta 4.
iOS 26 is Apple’s most ambitious revamp in years. The entire interface now shimmers with Liquid Glass, a translucent layer that morphs as you scroll, and an updated Apple Intelligence powers live call translation and a souped-up Visual Intelligence search. You’ll also see other perks, like call screening and personalized text message chats.
Before you download, double-check your hardware: iOS 26 needs at least an A13 Bionic chip, so only the iPhone 11 and newer models qualify. Apple Intelligence features stay exclusive to the iPhone 16 line and iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Also remember that it’s still beta software. Expect bugs, battery dips and the occasional app crash. You should definitely back up your phone first (better yet, create an archive on your computer), consider installing on a spare device and keep your computer nearby in case you need to roll back to iOS 18. If that sounds good, here’s how to install the iOS 26 public beta.
Don’t miss: Revert Back to iOS 18 From iOS 26 Beta: The No-Stress, Step-by-Step Guide
How to download the iOS 26 public beta on your iPhone
As long as you know the risks and have backed up your phone, you can download the iOS 26 public beta. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Enroll in Apple’s Beta Software Program
On the iPhone you want to update, open Safari and visit beta.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID. If you’re new to the program, tap Sign Up and follow the prompts to accept Apple’s beta agreement.
2. Sign up for the iOS 26 public beta
After signing in, choose iOS at the top of the page. You’ll land on a dashboard with details about the iOS 26 public beta. Under Get Started, tap Enroll your iOS device. Because Apple now handles betas directly in Settings (no more configuration profiles), all you need to do is link your Apple ID and you’re good to go.
3. Enable beta updates
On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Choose iOS 26 Public Beta from the list.
4. Download and install iOS 26 beta
Now return to Settings > General > Software Update. The iOS 26 public beta should appear. Tap Download and Install and follow the on-screen instructions. Keep your phone on Wi-Fi and plugged in during the update.
Once your iPhone reboots, you’ll be running the latest iOS 26 public beta — complete with the new Liquid Glass interface and (if your hardware supports it) Apple Intelligence features.
