The official iOS 26 public beta is now available for eager users. Meanwhile, Apple’s latest developer beta, which is their seventh version, promises a more refined experience with crucial bug fixes aimed at minimizing app crashes and battery drain issues that have plagued earlier iterations.
One of the most exciting features in iOS 26 is Liquid Glass, a cohesive design language that provides a seamless experience across all of Apple’s devices. Additionally, the update introduces two long-awaited features: Call Screening, which intercepts unknown calls, gathers the reasons for the call, and provides a live transcript for your review, and Hold Assist, which listens to hold music for you and alerts you when a representative is available.
With the jump from iOS 18 directly to iOS 26, Apple signals a generational leap that aligns its mobile operating system naming with other platforms. This is the most significant update since iOS 7, enhancing nearly every aspect of the iPhone experience.
Expected for public release in September, interested users can dive into the beta experience right now. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to download the iOS 26 developer beta.
Watch this: I’m Impressed With iOS 26. Apple Just Made iPhones Better
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Warning: Download the iOS 26 Developer Beta at Your Own Risk
While the iOS 26 developer beta is free, it’s essential to remember that it’s designed for developers, not for daily use. Early builds often contain bugs that can lead to app crashes, battery issues, overheating, and overall sluggishness. Unless you must test software compatibility, sticking with the public beta on your primary device is wise.
Which iPhone Models Support iOS 26?
If you own an iPhone 11 or newer, you can download iOS 26. This update excludes the iPhone XR and XS models, but includes all devices from the A13 Bionic chip onward, including the anticipated iPhone 17 series. Here’s a list of compatible models:
Apple Intelligence features will require compatible phones, including any model from the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
How to Prepare Your iPhone to Install the iOS 26 Developer Beta
Before diving into the installation of the iOS 26 developer beta, complete these essential preparations:
- Check your hardware first. This beta runs exclusively on iPhone 11 and newer. For the full range of Apple Intelligence features, ensure you have an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or any upcoming iPhone 17 model.
- Update to the latest public release. Ensure your phone is on the most recent stable build (at present, that’s iOS 18.5) to prevent any issues related to outdated software.
- Have a good Wi-Fi connection. A reliable Wi-Fi connection ensures a smooth installation process.
- Have enough space on your phone. Keep at least 15GB of available storage for the iOS 26 developer beta download.
- Archive a backup. Utilize a traditional iCloud backup that won’t be overwritten. On Mac, connect your iPhone, open Finder, select your device, hit Back Up Now > Manage Backups, right-click the new backup, and select Archive. For Windows, the steps are similar through iTunes.
- Know the escape hatch. If the beta causes issues with your device (which is unlikely), you may need to enter Recovery Mode, restore to iOS 18.5, and reinstall your archived backup.
Once you’ve completed these preparations, you are almost ready to proceed.
How to Install the iOS 26 Developer Beta on Your iPhone
Apple now allows users to install developer betas without the previously required $99 annual fee. To begin, visit the Apple Developer site on the device you intend to update, open the ☰ menu, choose Account, and sign in with your Apple ID. Agree to the terms, check the required boxes, and tap Submit. You may also need to turn on Developer Mode in Settings > Privacy and Security.
You can now install the iOS 26 developer beta as an over-the-air update:
- After signing up for the Apple Developer program, access the option to download the iOS 26 developer beta via your settings.
- On your device, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Return to the previous menu and tap Download and Install under the new “iOS 26 Developer Beta” entry.
Enter your passcode, accept the terms, and let the installer take over. With a stable Wi-Fi connection, the download and installation process should complete in approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Once your iPhone reboots, you’ll be operating on the iOS 26 developer beta.