Apple iOS 26 update: Check out the release date, how to download the process, new features, support devices, and more
Anusha Jain | Jul 22, 2025, 12:31 IST
Highlight of the story: Apple has released the iOS 26 public beta with new features, supported devices, and more. Find out what's new, how to install the beta, and whether your iPhone qualifies for this early update.
Apple has released the public beta for iOS 26, giving iPhone users early access to the latest features ahead of the official rollout. The update, available for a wide range of devices including the iPhone XR and later models, brings several improvements in privacy, performance, and user experience.
From smarter Siri suggestions to enhanced app controls, iOS 26 aims to refine how users interact with their devices. This article covers everything you need to know about the iOS 26 public beta—its release timeline, how to download it, supported devices, and standout features.
Whether you're a developer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about what’s coming next, this guide breaks down all the key updates Apple is bringing to your iPhone through iOS 26.
Apple is gearing up to release the iOS 26 public beta, with the rollout expected around July 23, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. First unveiled at WWDC earlier this year, the update has already gone through multiple developer beta stages.
Now, regular users will get a preview of the latest features and design changes ahead of the stable release, which is anticipated in September, likely alongside the iPhone 17 launch.
Anyone can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program at no cost. However, since beta versions can contain bugs or glitches, it’s strongly recommended to back up your iPhone before installing the software.
In terms of compatibility, iOS 26 no longer supports older devices like the iPhone XR and iPhone XS. However, it remains available for the iPhone 11 series and newer models, including the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE.
For those eager to try out the latest Apple Intelligence features, you'll need either an iPhone 15 Pro or one of the upcoming iPhone 16 models. The iOS 26 public beta is expected to be released around July 23.
Once available, users can access it by enrolling in Apple’s Beta Software Program and activating the beta update option within their iPhone settings. Keep in mind that this is an early release, so occasional bugs or performance issues may still occur.
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro MaxiPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro MaxiPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro MaxiPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro MaxiPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 26 is the introduction of the Liquid Glass interface, which gives iPhones a more refined and modern appearance. The overall UI feels smoother, thanks to refreshed app icons, elegant animations, and deeper personalisation for both Home and Lock screens.
Core apps like Safari, Photos, and Camera have received subtle layout updates, making them cleaner and easier to navigate. This is Apple’s boldest visual revamp since iOS 7—but it remains intuitive and user-friendly.
Another major highlight is the upgrade to Apple Intelligence, Apple’s native AI system. iOS 26 now supports real-time audio and text translation, smarter on-screen suggestions, and integrates ChatGPT to help users interact with content more efficiently.
You can also create unique emojis using Genmoji, generate creative visuals via Image Playground, and take advantage of new intent-based shortcuts tailored to your app usage.
The Messages and Phone apps have also evolved. Messages now support custom chat backgrounds, in-chat polls, and typing indicators in group threads. Unfamiliar senders are automatically sorted into a separate folder.
The Phone app merges your recent calls, favourites, and voicemails in a single view, and introduces new tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist for smoother call handling.
Lastly, iOS 26 debuts a dedicated Apple Games app to help users discover, manage, and play games more easily. CarPlay also gets quality-of-life improvements, including widget support, pinned conversations, and a streamlined call display.
To install iOS 26 public beta:
Apple Beta Software Program
From smarter Siri suggestions to enhanced app controls, iOS 26 aims to refine how users interact with their devices. This article covers everything you need to know about the iOS 26 public beta—its release timeline, how to download it, supported devices, and standout features.
Whether you're a developer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about what’s coming next, this guide breaks down all the key updates Apple is bringing to your iPhone through iOS 26.
When is iOS 26 Beta releasing?
Apple is gearing up to release the iOS 26 public beta, with the rollout expected around July 23, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. First unveiled at WWDC earlier this year, the update has already gone through multiple developer beta stages.
Now, regular users will get a preview of the latest features and design changes ahead of the stable release, which is anticipated in September, likely alongside the iPhone 17 launch.
Anyone can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program at no cost. However, since beta versions can contain bugs or glitches, it’s strongly recommended to back up your iPhone before installing the software.
iOS 26 public beta supported devices
Apple iOS 26 update: Publ
In terms of compatibility, iOS 26 no longer supports older devices like the iPhone XR and iPhone XS. However, it remains available for the iPhone 11 series and newer models, including the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE.
For those eager to try out the latest Apple Intelligence features, you'll need either an iPhone 15 Pro or one of the upcoming iPhone 16 models. The iOS 26 public beta is expected to be released around July 23.
Once available, users can access it by enrolling in Apple’s Beta Software Program and activating the beta update option within their iPhone settings. Keep in mind that this is an early release, so occasional bugs or performance issues may still occur.
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro MaxiPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro MaxiPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro MaxiPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro MaxiPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
What is new in iOS 26 public beta?
One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 26 is the introduction of the Liquid Glass interface, which gives iPhones a more refined and modern appearance. The overall UI feels smoother, thanks to refreshed app icons, elegant animations, and deeper personalisation for both Home and Lock screens.
Core apps like Safari, Photos, and Camera have received subtle layout updates, making them cleaner and easier to navigate. This is Apple’s boldest visual revamp since iOS 7—but it remains intuitive and user-friendly.
Another major highlight is the upgrade to Apple Intelligence, Apple’s native AI system. iOS 26 now supports real-time audio and text translation, smarter on-screen suggestions, and integrates ChatGPT to help users interact with content more efficiently.
You can also create unique emojis using Genmoji, generate creative visuals via Image Playground, and take advantage of new intent-based shortcuts tailored to your app usage.
The Messages and Phone apps have also evolved. Messages now support custom chat backgrounds, in-chat polls, and typing indicators in group threads. Unfamiliar senders are automatically sorted into a separate folder.
The Phone app merges your recent calls, favourites, and voicemails in a single view, and introduces new tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist for smoother call handling.
Lastly, iOS 26 debuts a dedicated Apple Games app to help users discover, manage, and play games more easily. CarPlay also gets quality-of-life improvements, including widget support, pinned conversations, and a streamlined call display.
How to download and install the iOS 26 beta?
To install iOS 26 public beta:
Apple Beta Software Program