Apple earlier this week 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 is rebranding its OS versions to match the year when users will use them the most. In this case, iOS 26 will officially launch this fall, though most updates will occur in 2026.
Also: 's WWDC 2025 recap with Sabrina Ortiz and Jason Hiner
The iOS 26 general release will be in a few months, but users can already download a developer beta. If you'd like to wait for the public beta, you'll be able to install it as soon as next month. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, you should have some housekeeping items in mind: back up your device, try not to use your everyday iPhone, and remember that developer betas can be full of bugs and issues.
How to install the iOS 26 developer beta
What you need: An iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later with an Apple ID used in the Apple Developer Program. Since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 18, you'll also need a model newer than the iPhone 11.
Also: What is Liquid Glass? Everything we know about Apple's major UI overhaul at WWDC
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 iOS 26 upgrade, and the best features go beyond Liquid Glass
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
Also: Will your old iPhone, Mac, or iPad run Apple's latest updates? Check this list
If you can't see this option, go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.
FAQs
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.
When will iOS 26 be released?
Apple is releasing the iOS 26 developer beta during WWDC 2025, and the public beta version will likely be released in July. If past years are any indication, the general release of iOS 26 will take place in September.
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 do I install the iOS 26 public beta version?
You'll need an iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 18, 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. To enable Beta Updates, go to Beta Updates and select the iOS version you'd like to access. This setting is turned off by default on iPhones.
- Select iOS 26 Public Beta. Then you'll begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 26. 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. 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.
Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
Apple
-
The best iOS 26 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhile
-
Your Apple Watch is getting a major upgrade. Here are the best features in WatchOS 26
-
What is Liquid Glass? Here's everything we know about Apple's major UI overhaul at WWDC
-
Every iPhone model compatible with Apple's iOS 26 (and which ones aren't)
