Apple unveiled big changes to its iPhone operating system when it announced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025. 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 officially launch in the fall, though most feature updates will roll out through 2026.
Apple most recently pushed iOS 26 Beta 3 to developers, refining smaller tweaks -- including more opaque navigation bars for apps like Music and App Store, updated Control Center toggle colors, new "Halo," "Dusk," "Sky," and "Shadow" wallpapers with richer Dark Mode variants, Maps fog advisories in offline mode, an iPadOS pointer shake to enlarge the cursor, and more.
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The general release of iOS 26 is still a few months off, but if you want to jump in on the beta action and potentially submit your feedback to Apple, you can download the developer beta right now via the Apple Developer Program. If you'd rather wait for the public beta, which allows non-developer testers to test the latest changes firsthand, it's expected to be available in mid-July.
Before installing any beta, be sure to back up your device, avoid using your primary iPhone, and remember that pre-release software can contain bugs and glitches.
How to install the iOS 26 developer beta
What you need: An iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. Since not all iPhones support iOS 18, you'll also need a model newer than iPhone 11.
1. Download the Apple Developer app
Go to the App Store on your iPhone and download the Apple Developer app.
Also: Your iPhone is getting a big upgrade. 10 best features I can't wait to use in iOS 26
If you aren't already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can sign up to become one in the app. There's a free tier that lets you test developer beta versions of iOS and a paid subscription that gives you in-depth access to comprehensive development tools, code-level support, app management, and more. An annual membership costs $99.
2. Install the iOS 26 developer beta
You can navigate to your settings to install the iOS 26 developer beta if your device runs iOS 16.4 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program:
- Go to your iPhone Settings
- Tap General
- Select Software Update
- Go to Beta Updates
- Choose the iOS 26 Developer Beta
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If you can't see this option, go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.
FAQs
How do I install the iOS 26 public beta?
Once Apple releases the public beta of iOS 26, you will not need to go through the above steps to to test the developer beta. Instead, follow the steps below. You'll still need an iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later, and since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 26, you'll also need a model newer than the iPhone 11.
- Go to your iPhone's Settings and select General.
- Go to Software Update in Settings.
- Enable Beta Updates (off by default).
- Select "iOS 26 Public Beta" (if available).
- 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. You'll then begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 26.
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?
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)
When will iOS 26 be released?
The iOS 26 developer beta (Beta 3) is available now. The public beta will likely go live mid-July 2025. If Apple follows its usual cadence, the final, general release of iOS 26 should arrive in September 2025.
What to do before installing the iOS 26 developer beta?
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:
- Back up your device and personal information.
- Don't download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPhone.
- Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iOS.
How to submit beta feedback to Apple
By the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions of iOS: iOS 26 public beta and iOS 26 developer beta. Both betas come with a built-in Feedback Assistant app, which can be opened from the Home screen on your iPhone or iPad. Whenever you experience an issue or something does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.
Also: Five iOS 26 features that I've been using on my Android phone for years
Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2024. It was fact-checked and thoroughly updated on July 8, 2025.
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