Apple enthusiasts, get ready! The official iOS 26 public beta may not be out yet, but for those eager to experience the latest and greatest, the fourth developer beta has just dropped. Expect a fresh design alongside powerful AI features that promise to enhance your iPhone experience.
The buzzword this time? Liquid Glass. This new design language aims for uniformity across all Apple devices, making user interaction smoother and more intuitive. Alongside this, iOS 26 introduces two standout features: Call Screening and Hold Assist. The former intelligently manages unknown callers, providing you with a live transcript, while the latter keeps tabs on hold music, alerting you when a representative is on the line.
By skipping straight to iOS 26 from iOS 18, Apple is not just stamping a new number; it’s signaling a major upgrade reminiscent of the leap from iOS 6 to iOS 7. This release brings significant updates to almost every aspect of the iPhone experience, and if you’re itching to try it out, follow these steps to get the iOS 26 developer beta installed.
Use Caution: Developer Beta Risks
While the iOS 26 developer beta is free, it’s crucial to note that it’s meant primarily for developers. These early builds often contain bugs that can cause app crashes, battery drain, or device sluggishness. Unless you absolutely need to test new software, it’s advisable to wait for the public beta to ensure a smoother experience on your primary device.
Supported iPhone Models for iOS 26
If you’re hoping to install iOS 26, you’ll need an iPhone model from the 11 series or newer. This means devices like the iPhone XR and XS are out of luck. Here’s the list of models that are compatible:
All iPhone 11 and newer models can run iOS 26. Notably, the AI features are available only on iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. If you’re sporting one of these devices, you’re good to go!
Preparing for the iOS 26 Developer Beta Installation
Before diving into the installation, ensure that you take these preparatory steps:
- Check your hardware: The beta works on iPhone 11 and above. For the new Apple Intelligence features, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 17 model.
- Update to the latest public release: Make sure your device is running the most recent stable build (currently iOS 18.5) to avoid issues.
- Ensure a strong Wi-Fi connection: A stable network is essential for a seamless installation.
- Check storage space: Have at least 15GB available on your device to download the beta.
- Create an archive backup: Use Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows to archive your backup and ensure you don’t lose any important data.
- Know how to revert: If the beta introduces significant issues, you may need to restore your device to iOS 18.5 using Recovery Mode.
Once you complete these steps, you’ll be ready for the new features and enhancements!
Installing the iOS 26 Developer Beta
Good news—Apple now allows anyone to install the developer beta without the usual $99 fee. Here’s how to install it:
- Visit the Apple Developer site on the device you’re updating, log in to your account, and accept the terms.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates on your iPhone and select the iOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Tap Download and Install to start the process.
After entering your passcode and agreeing to the terms, the download should take about 10 to 15 minutes on a good Wi-Fi connection. Once your iPhone restarts, you’ll be running iOS 26 and ready to explore all the new features!