Apple has made obtainable the sixth public beta of iOS 26, bringing a extra secure model of the software program to a wider viewers following prolonged testing by builders. Hold studying to find out how to put together your gadget for the beta software program and the way to set up it.
Signing up to get the iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 public beta is straightforward, and will be finished by enrolling an iPhone or iPad in Apple’s free Apple Beta Software program Program. The steps you want to full to set up the software program on your gadget are supplied in direction of the top of this text, however earlier than you soar forward, right here are some things value contemplating.
Is My iPhone Appropriate With iOS 26?
iOS 26 is suitable with the iPhone 11 collection and newer. In different phrases, the next fashions are supported:
(*26*)
Word that this compatibility checklist doesn’t imply that every one iOS 26 options will work with the above fashions. A number of of the replace’s options are unique to iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 16 fashions, since they rely on Apple Intelligence. You’ll be able to be taught extra about them right here. Word that iOS 26 will come pre-installed on new iPhone 17 fashions after they launch in September 2025.
Ought to I Install iOS 26 Public Beta?
Nice query! Earlier than downloading the replace, it is value noting that Apple doesn’t suggest putting in iOS 26 beta updates on your principal iPhone, so if in case you have a secondary gadget, use that. That is beta software program, which suggests there are sometimes bugs and points that pop up that may forestall software program from working correctly or trigger different issues. Apple nonetheless has fixes to make earlier than the ultimate launch later this month.
Make an Archived Backup of Your Machine First
Earlier than putting in the beta, be certain that to again up your iOS gadget earlier than putting in the software program utilizing the next technique, in any other case you will not find a way to revert again to iOS 18 if issues go incorrect.
- Plug your iPhone into your Mac utilizing the provided cable.
- Permit the accent to join by clicking Permit within the dialog immediate.
- Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon within the Dock.
- Click on your iOS gadget’s identify within the sidebar.
(*6*)
- If that is the primary time connecting your gadget to your Mac, click on Belief within the Finder window.
- Faucet Belief on your gadget when prompted, then enter your passcode to affirm.
- Within the Common tab, click on the circle subsequent to the place it says Again up all the knowledge on your iPad to this Mac.
- If you need to encrypt the backup, examine the field subsequent to Encrypt native backup, then enter a password to shield your knowledge.
- If you do not need to create an encrypted backup, otherwise you’ve already arrange encrypted backups, click on Again Up Now.
When the backup is completed, you could find the date and time of the final backup within the Common tab, simply above the Handle Backups button. Do not forget that this backup is not going to be overwritten if you manually or mechanically again up your iPhone sooner or later, so you possibly can restore it at any time through the use of the Restore Backup… choice in the identical Finder display.
How to Obtain iOS 26 Public Beta
Downloading and set up the iOS 26 Public Beta may be very easy. Merely comply with these steps:
- Head over to Apple’s Beta Software Program website and enroll utilizing your Apple Account credentials.
- Now go to Settings ➝ Common ➝ Software program Replace on your iPhone.
- Faucet Beta Updates. If you happen to do not see the choice, attempt switching off Obtain iOS Updates (Computerized Updates ➝ Obtain iOS Updates), then faucet Again and it ought to seem.
- Choose iOS 26 Public Beta within the checklist, then faucet Again.
- Look forward to the Software program Replace display to examine Apple’s servers. When the iOS 26 Public Beta seems, faucet Obtain and Install, then comply with the directions and watch for set up to full.
iOS 26 Options
iOS 26 introduces a putting system-wide redesign constructed round Liquid Glass, a translucent materials that displays and refracts ambient content material and dynamically responds to consumer enter. The brand new aesthetic applies throughout the Lock Display, Residence Display, toolbar controls, navigation components, app icons, and widgets.
The replace additionally brings new Apple Intelligence options. With Stay Translation obtainable in Messages, FaceTime, and Telephone, conversations throughout languages at the moment are seamless and completely on-device to guarantee privateness. New Visible Intelligence capabilities imply you possibly can ask questions on display content material. There are additionally smarter Shortcuts with clever actions to make automation simpler.
Communication apps achieve good upgrades too. The revamped Telephone app now combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails in a single view, provides Name Screening, and features a intelligent Maintain Help characteristic. Messages features filtered inboxes for unknown senders, typing indicators in group chats, customized backgrounds and polls, and Apple Money transfers.
CarPlay will get a visible refresh aligned with the Liquid Glass design and now contains compact name notifications, tappable Message reactions, pinned conversations, widgets, and Stay Actions assist.
Apple has additionally up to date a few of its key apps: Apple Music provides Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation plus AutoMix DJ-style transitions; Maps introduces privacy-protected “Visited Locations” and smarter route preferences; Pockets helps installment/rewards funds, refreshed boarding passes with Stay Actions, and deeper integrations with Maps and Discover My. Lastly, a brand new Video games app debuts as a central hub for cellular gaming, that includes a unified library, Apple Arcade assist, occasion monitoring, and good friend standing updates.
A common launch of iOS 26 is anticipated within the coming weeks, seemingly throughout or shortly after Apple’s “Awe dropping” occasion on Tuesday, September 9, when the brand new iPhone 17 lineup shall be revealed. For a full breakdown of what is new, make sure to try our devoted iOS 26 roundup.