On Thursday, July 24, Apple formally opened the general public beta for the hotly anticipated iOS 26 replace, together with beta applications for macOS Tahoe, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. customers with suitable iPhones and Apple units can signal as much as strive the brand new working programs on the Apple Beta Software program Program web site.
When Apple hosted its annual Worldwide Builders Convention on June 9, the corporate revealed that one among its greatest redesigns in years could be arriving within the fall with iOS 26. Dubbed Liquid Glass, the brand new visible design language incorporates clear components and new animations for a extra fashionable aesthetic. Liquid Glass will probably be arriving with the official launch of iOS 26, iPadOS, and macOS Tahoe later this yr, however now that the general public beta is dwell, early adopters needn’t wait.
We now have a reasonably good concept of what to anticipate from the iOS 26 beta. Beforehand, Apple made the beta obtainable to customers with a developer account, and Mashable has reported beforehand on among the preliminary adjustments made to this point. These updates embody tweaks to the Management Middle, which proved polarizing amongst early testers. Mashable reporters will probably be testing iOS 26 all year long. We’ll share extra options and updates as we discover them.
iOS 26 helps you to personalize your show in new methods.
Credit score: Apple
How to enroll in iOS 26 and the opposite public betas
First, head to the Apple beta web site and signal into your Apple account. In the event you’ve by no means signed up for a beta earlier than, you will additionally have to enroll your gadget. As soon as that is performed, Apple says, “You will get a notification when a new beta is available and can install it from Software Update on your iOS device.” (In your iPhone, comply with this path: Settings > Normal > Software program Replace > Beta Updates.)
Bear in mind: We suggest backing up your units earlier than making an attempt out a brand new beta. Beta variations of software program can have bugs. The truth is, that is form of the purpose — to seek out issues earlier than the extensive launch.
Here is how Apple describes iOS 26:
Mashable Mild Pace
iOS 26 is a serious replace that helps you do extra along with your iPhone, with a brand new but immediately acquainted design that delivers a extra expressive and seamless expertise, Apple Intelligence options built-in throughout the working system, and significant enhancements to the stuff you do daily.
The highest options to strive after downloading iOS 26
Liquid Glass is the obvious function to discover as soon as you have geared up your telephone with the iOS 26 preview. Along with the clear components and animations, you too can alter the transparency settings and personalize the look of app icons in your telephone.
In the event you use Apple Music, you must also take a look at the brand new playlist folders, which brings some much-needed group to the app. That is one of many lesser-known iOS 26 options we’re most enthusiastic about.
The brand new cell OS additionally debuts some new Apple Intelligence options, together with:
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Reside translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Telephone
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Shortcuts actions with AI powers
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Reminders, solutions, and group powered by Apple Intelligence
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AI-generated information summaries
Sadly, the brand new AI options will not be obtainable to everybody. To assist Apple Intelligence, it’s essential have one among these units: “iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later. You also need to enable Apple Intelligence and use a supported language.
Which iPhones support the iOS 26 beta?
To participate in the iOS 26 beta, you’ll need an iPhone 11 or newer device (second-generation and later iPhone SE devices are also eligible).
Is iOS 26 free?
Yes, the public beta for iOS 26 is free to try. The full update will be available as a free upgrade in the fall, although the exact launch date hasn’t been announced yet.
UPDATE: Jul. 24, 2025, 4:06 p.m. EDT This story has been up to date with extra details about the iOS 26 beta.
