Apple has officially unveiled the iOS 26 public beta, offering all its enthusiastic users a sneak peek into the next generation of iPhone ahead of its final official release. Initially announced at WWDC on June 9, 2025, it released its first developer Beta for all developers, followed by revised build Beta 2, Beta 3, and was recently released on July 22nd as Beta 4.
The first public Beta became available on July 24, 2025, via the Apple Beta Software Program. The update includes a sleek new interface design, powerful Apple Intelligence, and numerous new features.
iOS 26 Public Beta also includes all the features that were introduced in Apple’s fourth developer beta, which was released recently.
iOS 26 Public Beta: Who Can Download It?
The iOS 26 Public Beta is available to all users who are enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program. If you want to download and install iOS 26 Beta, you will need to sign up and log in to the Apple Beta Software Program.
How to download iOS 26 Public Beta?
- First, you need to sign up or log in to the Apple Beta Software Program using your Apple ID
- On your iPhone, go to Settings → General → Software Update → Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Public Beta.
- Tap the “Download and install” button, and follow the on-screen prompts. Make sure to back up your device in advance.
Important Note: It is recommended that you do not attempt to install the Beta on your primary device; instead, try it on a secondary device for testing purposes.
Compatible Devices & Limitations
- iOS 26 supports iPhone models from the iPhone 11 series up to the iPhone 16 series, including the SE (2nd generation and later).
- Advanced Apple Intelligence features work only on iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models.
- Older devices such as the iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max are not supported.
What’s New in iOS 26?
1. Liquid Glass Visual Design:
iOS 26 is a complete redesign of its software since iOS 13 debuted in 2013. According to Apple, its new design named “Liquid Glass” is designed to “brings more focus to content and a new level of vitality while maintaining the familiarity of Apple’s software.” The entire interface now features Apple’s bold new “Liquid Glass” aesthetic, a translucent, glass‑like look applied system‑wide to icons, menus, apps, and widgets.
However, some users find the interface visually appealing, while others have expressed dissatisfaction with the new interface.
2. Apple Intelligence features:
- Live translation: Apple has finally introduced live translation features that will allow users to bridge the language barrier. This feature will allow you to translate text and audio in real-time on apps like FaceTime, Messages, and the phone app.
- Genmoji & Image Playground integrates AI with text and visual creativity, allowing you to combine emojis, generate images with ChatGPT-style prompts, and edit visuals seamlessly.
3. Call Screening and Hold Assist:
- Call Screening is an additional feature in iOS 26 that asks the caller to identify themselves, and the user can decide whether they want to pick up the call or not. This helps to filter the calls from unknown numbers.
- The Hold Assist feature will automatically notify you when the receiver picks up the call or a human agent answers the call that you are waiting for.
4. Lock Screen Customization
- With iOS 26, there are plenty of lock screen customizations offered by Apple. Previously, you could not reposition the widget on the lock screen, but now you can. You can also now expand the Clock on the Lock Screen and offer faster photo access in customization mode.
- Apple now features animated album art, which plays on the Lock Screen when songs are playing, creating an immersive listening experience. It may soon be expected to work with other third‑party apps as well.
5. Spatial Scenes:
Spatial Scenes is a new feature in iOS 26 that brings 3D‑like depth to still wallpapers. When you tilt or move your phone, the image on the lock screen will shift slightly, giving you a 3D effect. With the help of AI, it can also convert any regular photo into an interactive 3D image, adding depth and motion to the image.
6. Apple Game App:
Apple has introduced a standalone Game app that will consolidate all installed and recommended apps into one hub. Within the app, users will be able to find new and popular games. It also integrate with Game Center, where user can share game achievements, game history, and leaderboards.
Should You Try the Public Beta?
Considering user feedback from iOS 26 Developer Beta 4, it seems most of the issues were resolved, and it looks more stable. Since Public Beta includes all features from Developer Beta 4, we expect the build to be stable. Also, many users who tested iOS 26 public Beta reported a generally stable experience, but there were also issues reported about battery drain, CarPlay hiccups, app compatibility issues, and occasionally lag.
Since Beta is not generally a stable version, it is possible that it will disrupt your daily usage if installed on your primary device. Apple suggests installing only if you’re comfortable troubleshooting and backing up regularly. Or you may try on your secondary device.
Stable public release is expected to be released by this year mostly in september when iPhone 17 will be launched.
Do let us know in the comment, which iOS 26 features that you are most excited to try?
