Upgrade your handset instantly with a powerful software update, without needing to wait for the iPhone 17's release.
Apple has taken a significant step forward with the release of the Public Beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. This marks the first major redesign of Apple's iOS system since 2013.
Downloading iOS 26 Public Beta on iPhone and iPad
For those who wish to experience the new features firsthand, here's a step-by-step guide to downloading the iOS 26 Public Beta on an iPhone or iPad:
- Enroll in Apple's Beta Software Program
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and visit beta.apple.com.
- Sign in with your Apple ID. If you're new, tap Sign Up and accept Apple's beta agreement.
- Under Get Started, tap Enroll your iOS device. Since beta handling is now integrated into Settings, all you need to do is link your Apple ID.
- Enable Beta Updates
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Navigate to General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Select iOS 26 Public Beta from the list.
- Download and Install iOS 26 Beta
- Once the iOS 26 beta is available, go back to the main Software Update page.
- The iOS 26 public beta should appear. Tap Update Now (or Update Tonight to install later).
- Confirm with your passcode and let the download begin. Once complete, tap Install to proceed with the installation.
Please note that the iOS 26 public beta does not support Apple Watch, Mac, or Apple TV directly. Each of these devices has its own update process, which we'll outline below.
Updating Other Devices
- Apple Watch: The Apple Watch does not receive iOS updates directly; it receives watchOS updates. To get a watchOS update, you typically need to have a compatible iPhone and use the Watch app on the iPhone.
- Mac: macOS updates are separate and not directly related to iOS. You can check for macOS updates by going to System Settings > Software Update.
- Apple TV: tvOS updates are unique to Apple TV devices and are installed through the Settings app on the Apple TV.
Important Considerations
- It is not advisable to install the update on any device you heavily rely on due to potential issues.
- The new design in iOS 26 features floating translucent buttons and boxes.
- iPad and Mac users gain similar new features with more synchronicity between the two platforms.
- iPad users can update using the same process as iPhone users.
- The Public Beta versions are available for download on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV.
- The Apple Watch and Apple TV also get significant makeovers in these versions.
- The process for updating Apple TV is found in Settings > System > Software Updates.
- The Public Beta of iOS 26 is a large file (17.06GB), so it is best to download it from a Wi-fi connection.
- It is recommended to plug your phone into a charger before updating to avoid battery drain during the process.
- Always back up your device before installing beta software to prevent data loss in case of issues.
New Features in iOS 26
iOS 26 includes a new lock screen with dynamic wallpaper, a new camera app, a call screening assistant, live translation, new maps features, and a dedicated games app. However, these Beta versions might have issues with third-party apps or occasional crashes.
- For those who own smartphones or tablets, the new features in iOS 26 such as the dynamic lock screen and live translation can be experienced by downloading the Public Beta of iOS 26 on their iPhone or iPad.
- The Public Beta versions of iOS 26 also include significant updates for Apple Watch and Apple TV, demonstrating Apple's continued investment in various gadgets and technology.
