The anticipation around iOS 26 is palpable as Apple fans eagerly await the capabilities of this innovative upgrade. Set to be available for the general public this fall, the new version was announced during the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Developers are already experimenting with early versions, while public beta testers are expecting access imminently—possibly even before the weekend.
When is the iOS 26 public beta release date?
While there’s no exact date, rumors suggest that we could see the public beta drop within the next day or two. Historically, Apple’s first public beta for its upcoming iPhone software occurs in July. This timeline allows Apple to address major bugs and enhance user experience before the full release in September.
We’re already noticing the clock ticking through July, which has raised questions about the public beta’s arrival. Notably, Mark Gurman, a prominent Apple reporter, hinted via X that Apple might unveil the public beta around July 23. Although that date has come and gone, it’s plausible that the release could be on the following Thursday or Friday. This means eager beta testers might soon be able to explore features like Liquid Glass and revamped backgrounds in Messages.
Before diving in, bear in mind this is a beta version of iOS 26, not the final product. This means you may encounter some bugs, and battery life might not be optimal, so it’s wise to avoid installing it on your primary device. For those curious to test the waters, using a secondary device is highly recommended.
It’s also crucial to note that iOS 26 will only support devices newer than the iPhone 11. For anyone with an iPhone XR—or older—the curiosity to experience this OS remains just that: curiosity. Those devices won’t be able to download the developer or public beta. Trying to access the developer beta on my older iPhone was a lesson in frustration.
Stay informed as we dive deeper into features like Liquid Glass, which promises to revamp your phone experience, and how iOS 26 will transform elements like your alarm functionality and more. The excitement stemming from this upcoming software update is just the tip of the iceberg.