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Apple announced some significant changes to its iPhone operating system with iOS 26 during WWDC 2025 in June. Instead of launching iOS 19 consecutively to the current iOS 18, Apple rebranded its OS versions to match the year when users will use them the most. In this case, iOS 26 will launch for general availability in the fall, though most feature updates will roll out through 2026.
But even if the general release of iOS 26 is still at least a month away, you can officially download the public beta version right now. Apple released the developer beta of iOS 26 in June, so the company's already refined and tweaked some of the biggest bugs in the new operating system. This makes iOS 26 ready to launch into its public beta phase.
Also: We tested iOS 26 on the iPhone 16 Pro - these 5 features make the update worthwhile
Before installing any beta software versions, be sure to back up your device, avoid using your primary iPhone, and remember that pre-release software can contain bugs and glitches.
What you need:A compatible iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones support iOS 26, you'll also need a model newer than iPhone 11.
Go to your iPhone's Settings and select General.
Also: Five 'new' iOS 26 features that feel familiar (I've been using them on Android for years)
Within General, tap on Software Update. Your iPhone's Software Updates feature must be updated to automatically receive beta updates and beta versions of iOS.
Go to Beta Updates to enable it and select the iOS version you'd like to access. This setting is turned off by default on iPhones.
Select iOS 26 Public Beta to begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 26.
Once you do this, return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it.
The iOS 26 public beta is available now. The developer beta was released during WWDC in June 2025. If Apple follows its usual cadence, the final, general release of iOS 26 should arrive in September 2025.
To download the iOS 26 developer beta version, navigate to your settings to install the iOS 26 developer beta if your device runs iOS 16.5 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program:
If you can't see this option, go to your Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.
If you aren't already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can sign up to become one in the app. An annual membership costs$99, but you don't need one to try the developer beta.
Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of supported devices with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is compatible with the new operating system, including the iPhone SE.
Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to iOS 26 (and which ones don't support it)
You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind:
The iOS 26 public beta comes with its own built-in Feedback Assistant app, which you can open from the Home screen. If you encounter something that doesn't work, or you have feedback on any part of the new OS, you can communicate directly with Apple via that app.
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