Apple Opens iOS 26 Public Beta to the World

There’s something about innovation that invites us to look forward to imagine more efficient ways to live, work, and connect. That’s what Apple seems to be doing again, as it begins rolling out the public beta of iOS 26—offering users an early taste of what’s coming in its next major software update.

First introduced during WWDC 2025, iOS 26 brings with it a refined visual feel Apple is calling “Liquid Glass”—a design language that leans into elegance and fluidity. But beyond surface beauty, the update goes deeper, introducing features powered by what Apple terms “Apple Intelligence”—a suite of AI tools designed to enhance user experience without compromising privacy.

While developers received early access to iOS 26 shortly after the keynote in June, Apple is now making the public beta available to the broader community. This version gives ordinary users—not just developers—a chance to explore, test, and offer feedback. Unlike the developer builds, public betas tend to arrive slightly later, often after some of the major technical issues have been ironed out.

If you’re ready to take part, Apple has made the process relatively simple. Head to the Apple Beta Software Program and sign in with your Apple ID. After registering, navigate to your iPhone’s Settings, tap General, then go to Software Update. From there, the iOS 26 Public Beta should appear, ready for download.

Compatible Devices Include:

• iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhone 13 and 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 and 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max

What’s New and Worth Noting

Apple has taken time to refine some of its most used apps. The Camera app now comes with a cleaner interface, making it easier to focus on the moment. The Photos app splits your content into more organized tabs—helping users distinguish between their main library and personalized collections. Safari now supports edge-to-edge page viewing, giving the web a more immersive feel. Apps like Apple Music and News also now feature floating tab bars that subtly disappear as you scroll, creating more breathing room on-screen.

But perhaps what stands out most in iOS 26 is the shift toward intelligent, on-device assistance. Whether it’s live translation across Messages, FaceTime, or Phone calls—or the ability to interact with objects on your screen through Visual Intelligence—the goal is clear: help users do more, without surrendering their privacy.

You can search for a product just by looking at it, add events to your calendar with a glance, or get quick answers using ChatGPT—all without sending your personal data to the cloud. And for those who enjoy personal expression, Apple introduces Genmoji (AI-generated emojis) and the new Image Playground, where creativity can flow through a few simple words or visual cues.