The public beta of iOS 26 is now live, offering users an early look at Apple’s next big iPhone software release. This version introduces a completely reimagined Liquid Glass interface, fresh enhancements to popular apps, and a range of exciting new features aimed at elevating the overall iPhone experience. Users enrolled through Apple’s official website as beta testers can now access the iOS 26 Public Beta. To install it, simply open the Settings app, head to General, tap on Software Update, and select the iOS 26 Public Beta from the available options.
Apple iOS 26 Features:
iOS 26 marks the most significant overhaul of the iPhone’s interface since the release of iOS 13 over a decade ago. According to Apple, the refreshed design—dubbed Liquid Glass—aims to enhance content visibility and inject a fresh sense of energy into the user experience, all while preserving the intuitive feel long associated with Apple’s ecosystem.
iOS 26 introduces two notable additions to the Phone app, including a new Call Screening tool. This feature is designed to minimize unwanted disruptions by interacting with incoming callers to collect key information. It then presents a brief summary, allowing users to decide whether to answer the call or decline it without picking up.
“iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most. And with powerful new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated across the system, users can get things done easier than ever.”
How to Download iOS 26 Beta on Your iPhone
If you’re eager to try out iOS 26 ahead of its official release, you can download the developer beta by registering for free with your Apple ID through the Apple Developer Program. After signing up, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates, and choose “iOS 26 Developer Beta” from the list.
Important: Before installing the beta, ensure you back up your iPhone. Pre-release software can sometimes cause performance issues or unexpected bugs.
iPhones No Longer Eligible for iOS 26
The following models will not receive the iOS 26 update:
iPhone Xs
iPhone Xs Max
iPhone XR
List of iPhones Compatible with iOS 26
These iPhone models are eligible to run iOS 26:
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, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen)
iPhone 16e
iPhones That Support Apple Intelligence in iOS 26
Only a few models are equipped to take advantage of Apple’s new on-device intelligence features:
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
All iPhone 16 models, including the standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max, and 16e
