On Monday, June 9, Apple held its annual Worldwide Builders Convention, the place it confirmed that the successor to iOS 18 will truly be iOS 26. It is a part of an entire new naming conference and a recent new look, and it was the headline from an occasion full of updates. See additionally: new Apple Intelligence options, the announcement of macOS Tahoe, and a brand new Reside Translation characteristic.
At a look, there’s so much to love about Apple’s new iOS 26, as much as and together with Liquid Glass, Cupertino’s model new multi-platform design language. The hype practice is actual because it’s the primary iOS design overhaul since 2013.
So, when are you able to truly get the iOS 26 replace?
Apple intends to launch iOS 26 to everybody this fall as a free software program replace, however enterprising people can attempt it early with the beta.
The discharge of iOS 26
Liquid Glass is the largest Apple redesign in over 10 years.
Credit score: Apple
In a press launch, Apple solely says that iOS 26 is coming within the fall.
You possibly can watch for the secure launch, which is coming to each iPhone from the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 sequence to the newest iPhone 16e. Alternatively, you may check out the iOS 26 beta beginning right now. Again within the olden days, you used to want a $99 Apple Developer account. Nowadays, it’s a lot simpler and $99 cheaper since you may get into it without cost. You simply need to know easy methods to do it.
Learn this earlier than making an attempt the iOS 26 beta
A word earlier than we start, betas are likely to have bugs, glitches, and different instabilities which will make it troublesome to make use of for day by day use. For essentially the most half, betas are much more secure than they was once nevertheless it’s not assured. Be sure to perceive the chance earlier than putting in an entire OS, whether or not it’s iOS 26 or Samsung’s One UI 8 beta.
Mashable Mild Velocity
So, earlier than you begin, you’ll wish to be certain that all the pieces is backed up in case one thing goes improper and familiarize your self with the technique of reinstalling iOS 18.5.
Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner introduced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 on Monday, June 9.
Credit score: Apple
How you can set up the iOS 26 beta
Observe: You’ll wish to be certain that your iPhone is on the newest replace, which is at present iOS 18.5. You’ll wish to have a suitable cellphone as properly.
Getting the beta is so much simpler than it was once, particularly since Apple has a free tier of its Developer Program. Since that’s all you must obtain the beta proper now, you may obtain iOS 26 right now. Right here’s how:
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If you’re already a developer, skip this half.
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If you’re not, head to this hyperlink and observe the directions to enroll in a free Apple developer account.
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Observe: The method could ask for cost, however you may again out when you get to that time, and it’s best to nonetheless have a free developer account.
As soon as that’s achieved, go to the Apple Builders web site and log in together with your new (or present) developer account. As soon as achieved, enroll your machine for the Apple Beta Software program Program. After that, do the next:
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On the machine you enrolled, go to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace > Beta Updates.
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Select the iOS 26 Developer Beta.
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Return to the prior menu display screen and faucet Obtain and Set up.
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Seize a cup of espresso. It’s an entire OS replace and it’s going to take some time.
If the iOS 26 Developer Beta doesn’t seem in your settings. Wait a couple of minutes or reboot your machine. It ought to present up then.
Alternatively, you may join the general public beta that’s slated to launch subsequent month. You may join the general public betas on Apple’s Beta Software program Program web site linked above and enroll your machine. As soon as the general public beta is prepared, you’ll have the ability to set up it.
Which units can run the iOS 26 beta?
A few of the new Messages options in iOS 26.
Credit score: Apple
The entire units that may obtain iOS 26 at launch ought to be suitable with the beta. The checklist contains:
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iPhone SE (second technology and later)
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iPhone 11, Professional, and Professional Max
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iPhone 12, Mini, Professional, and Professional Max
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iPhone 13, Mini, Professional, and Professional Max
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iPhone 14, Plus, Professional, and Professional Max
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iPhone 15 Plus,, Professional, and Professional Max
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iPhone 16 Plus, Professional, and Professional Max
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iPhone 16e
Alternatively, you may join the general public beta that’s slated to launch subsequent month. You may join the general public betas on Apple’s Beta Software program Program web site linked above and enroll your machine. As soon as the general public beta is prepared, you’ll have the ability to set up it.
What’s new in iOS 26?
Liquid Glass has a lot of translucent, clear, and customizable parts.
Credit score: Apple
On high of the new Liquid Glass design language, Apple has tucked another neat stuff beneath the hood. Apple Maps acquired some cool new options, as did iMessage and the Name app. The iPad obtained one thing we’ve by no means heard of earlier than referred to as “windows.” There was so much extra from the keynote, however actually, you’re right here since you wish to attempt Liquid Glass, and I don’t blame you. It seems to be fairly candy.
We’ll be diving extra into iOS 26 as we study extra, so maintain a watch out for extra data.
