Introduction
Apple is set to release the highly anticipated iOS 26 public beta later this week, yes, this week of July 21, 2025. Regular iPhone users now have the opportunity to get an early taste of the stunning new Liquid Glass design, powerful Apple Intelligence tools, camera upgrades, and more before the official launch arrives in September alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.
Curious how to join the beta and what awaits inside? Read on.
What’s New in iOS 26
- Liquid Glass Interface
A dramatic visual overhaul: translucent app icons and widgets, dynamic home and lock screens, and a refreshed Control Center and Clock unlock animation.
- Apple Intelligence & Visual Power
- On-device Live Translation for text and voice
- Visual Intelligence: search within screenshots and auto-calendar events from captured info
- AI-generated emojis and image generation through “Genmoji” and Image Playground
- Smarter Core Apps
- Phone & Messages add call screening, polls, real-time typing indicators, business call hold assist
- Camera & Photos support 3D effects, HDR screenshot/recording, and a polished Camera interface
- Apple Music, Maps, Wallet & CarPlay also get thoughtful updates
- Battery & Efficiency Boosts
Adaptive Power mode and charging time estimates are built-in for smarter battery health.
Check Compatibility
iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer, including both generations of iPhone SE. However, iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are no longer supported.
Apple Intelligence features (Live Translation, Visual Search) require newer devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 series.
Public Beta Release Window
Apple is expected to release the iOS 26 public beta by Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
The beta will be available alongside iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and AirPods firmware.
Is the Public Beta Right for You?
Beta software may contain bugs, performance lags, or compatibility issues.
If you're ready to explore new features like Liquid Glass or Visual Intelligence and can tolerate some instability, the public beta is perfect for early adopters.
However, it’s best installed on a secondary iPhone if you rely heavily on your primary device.
Step-by‑Step: Installing the iOS 26 Public Beta
- Back Up First
Backup your iPhone via iCloud or locally using a computer. This ensures your data is safe if you want to downgrade later.
- Join Apple’s Beta Software Program
Go to the official Apple Beta Software Program website and sign in using your Apple ID. Then enroll your device into the iOS Public Beta.
- Enable Beta Updates
On your iPhone:
Go to Settings → General → Software Update → Beta Updates
Select iOS 26 Public Beta from the available options.
- Download and Install
Return to Software Update, and your iPhone should show the beta update. Tap Download and Install and follow the prompts.
- Optional: Developer Beta (Advanced Users Only)
Advanced users or developers can opt for the Developer Beta instead, but it’s more unstable and requires a registered Apple Developer account.
- Stay Updated
Once enrolled, future beta versions will arrive automatically through the normal software update process.
Tips to Maximize Your Beta Experience
- Ensure Sufficient Battery & Storage: Have at least 50% battery and 6–8 GB of free space
- Use Feedback Assistant: Report bugs or performance issues to help improve the final version
- Keep Backups Archived: Don’t overwrite your backup while testing the beta in case you want to downgrade
What to Do If You Change Your Mind
If the beta causes issues, you can revert to the stable iOS version:
- Go to Settings → General → Beta Updates and switch to Off
- Restore your iPhone using your archived backup via Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices app (Windows)
Final Thoughts
This is a rare opportunity to explore a major iOS transformation before anyone else. Between the dazzling Liquid Glass interface, AI-driven enhancements, improved apps, and battery optimization — iOS 26 brings the future of iPhone into your hands today.
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