Apple has released the first developer beta of iOS 26, and this time, it’s available to anyone with an Apple ID, no paid developer account required.
Previously, early access to iOS betas was limited to those enrolled in Apple’s Developer Program, which costs $99 annually. Public betas would roll out later, typically after a few weeks. But since 2023, Apple has allowed any user to access developer betas simply by signing in at developer.apple.com with their Apple ID.
This means users can now install iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe betas without waiting for the public versions, giving them an early look at Apple’s latest features.
Supported devices
iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models. The full list includes:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Should you install it?
Apple strongly advises against installing beta software on a primary device. Early versions often contain bugs, incomplete features, and performance issues. If you’re keen to test iOS 26, it’s best to use a secondary iPhone.
Before installing the beta, create an archived backup of your device on a Mac. This is crucial if you want the option to roll back to iOS 18, as newer backups made after updating may not be compatible with older versions.
To back up:
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac using a cable.
- Open Finder and select your device in the sidebar.
- In the General tab, choose Back up all data on your iPhone to this Mac.
- Optionally, encrypt the backup with a password.
- Click Back Up Now.
You’ll find the backup date listed once the process is complete. This archive won’t be automatically overwritten in future backups.
How to install iOS 26 beta
If your iPhone runs iOS 16.4 or later, and you’ve signed in at developer.apple.com with your Apple ID, you can install the developer beta by following these steps:
- Open Settings → General → Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates.
- Select iOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Go back and wait for the update to appear, then tap Download and Install.
If the Beta Updates option doesn’t appear, turn off Automatic Updates and check again.
What’s new in iOS 26
iOS 26 brings a major visual overhaul with its new Liquid Glass interface, a responsive, translucent design that adapts to on-screen content. This aesthetic spans across the Lock Screen, Home Screen, toolbars, app icons, and widgets.
The update also introduces enhanced AI-powered features under Apple Intelligence:
- Live Translation: Works across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, translating conversations in real time, all processed on-device for privacy.
- Visual Intelligence: Users can now ask questions about what’s currently shown on screen.
- Smarter Shortcuts: Automation tools now offer more intuitive, context-aware actions.
Several core apps are also receiving major upgrades:
- Phone: Redesigned interface merges tabs like Recents and Voicemails, adds Call Screening and a Hold Assist function.
- Messages: Now includes typing indicators in group chats, custom backgrounds, message filtering for unknown senders, polls, and Apple Cash transfers.
- CarPlay: Gets a visual refresh, new reactions, pinned chats, widgets, and Live Activities.
- Apple Music: Adds live lyrics translation, pronunciation tools, and DJ-style AutoMix transitions.
- Maps: Introduces smarter route options and a privacy-focused “Visited Places” feature.
- Wallet: Now supports rewards, instalment payments, and deeper links to Maps and Find My.
- Games app: A new centralised hub for all gaming activity, including Apple Arcade support and friend tracking.
Apple is expected to release the final version of iOS 26 later this year, following a few more beta cycles.
