Apple has officially launched iOS 26 in beta, which allows excited users to sample every new feature before the public release. Although the beta was created for developers, iPhone users can also install and test out the OS by following a few easy steps.
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What is iOS 26 Beta?
iOS 26 beta is an early release of Apple’s next operating system. It isnโt the finished product and will have issues or bugs. Apple releases these beta versions to help the developers test their app and find issues with the software prior to the official release.
The beta version allows you to see and experience new features months before itโs available to everyone. Just keep in mind, beta software has the potential to be unstable and could cause your phone to crash or perform slowly.
Who Can Use iOS 26 Beta?
Anyone with a compatible iPhone can download iOS 26 beta. The good news is that most newer iPhones are eligible. Any iPhone model from the iPhone 11 and up can run iOS 26 beta. Specifically it includes:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series (all models)
- iPhone 17 series (Future Release)
Important Things to Know Before Installing
Backup Your iPhone First
Before you install any beta software, always backup your iPhone. Beta versions can cause issues and you will need to restore your phone to the previous version. Use either the iCloud service or backup your phone to your computer with iTunes.
Expect Some Problems
Beta software is not always precise. You might experience:
- Apps crashing and freezing suddenly, or a black screen
- Battery draining faster than usual
- Features or applications not working correctly
- Performance being very slow
- Connection issues
Consider Waiting
If you are using your iPhone for work or other tasks, consider waiting for the official release. The official version of iOS 26 will more than likely to be released in September, when the new batch of iPhones are presented.
Step 1: Join the Apple Developer Program
To download the iOS 26 beta, you must first enroll in the Apple Developer Program. But don’t worry, you can enroll in the free version, which is enough to get random access to betas.
Method 1: Using the Web Browser
Go to the Apple Developer Program enrollment page
- Then click on “Start your enrollment“
- Next, sign in with your Apple ID
- Then click, “Continue enrollment on the web“
- Now, in this section, you will need to add your personal information (name and address)
- Then click to continue, and when it asks for your entity type, select โIndividualโ
- In this next section, agree to the terms and conditions
- Finally, when you arrive at the checkout area, you’re free to close that page. You are now enrolled in the free tier
Method 2: Using the Apple Developer App
- You can download the Apple Developer app from the App Store
- Open the app, then tap on the “Account” tab
- Then sign in with your Apple ID
- After that, follow the on-screen directions to finish enrollment
Step 2: Download iOS 26 Beta
After youโve signed up for the Apple Developer Program, the beta downloads pretty easily:
Enable Beta Updates
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Select “General“
- Select “Software Update“
- Search for “Beta Updates” and tap it
- Choose “iOS 26 Developer Beta“
Download and Install
- Once back on the Software Update screen
- You should be able to see “iOS 26 Developer Beta” and download it
- Click “Download and Install“
- If you were prompted, enter your passcode
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- Then, the beta will begin downloading
Step 3: Installation Process
What You Can Expect
Getting your device ready and installing can take some time, so be patient:
- The download size is large (multiple gigabytes)
- The actual installation may take between 30 to 60 minutes
- Your iPhone may experience several restarts during the installation
- Make sure your phone is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi
- Keep your iPhone connected to the charger
During the Installation Process
Your iPhone will show a “progress bar” and may seem to freeze several times throughout the installation process. This is all part of the process, so don’t turn off your phone or interrupt the installation.
After Installation
After installation is finished, your iPhone will reboot with iOS 26 beta installed. Take some time to explore and check out the new features and changes.
Providing Feedback
Apple encourages you to report any bugs and issues that you find while you have the beta, and you can do this via the Feedback app that is included with the beta.
Receiving Updates
Beta versions of iOS are updated regularly, and you will see options to updated to the latest beta version of iOS in the Software Update section. Be sure to check back frequently to get the latest beta versions as they are made available by Apple.
How to Delete iOS 26 Beta
To revert back to your regular iOS version:
- Go into the Settings > General > Software Update
- Click on “Beta Updates“
- Choose the option “Off“
To completely delete the beta, you will have to restore your iPhone using your computer.
Final Thoughts
Downloading the iOS 26 beta will allow you to access Apple’s newest features well in advance, but there are risks, too. You should only install beta software if you are okay with the increased likelihood of buggy software and have backed up your important files.
For most users, it is best to wait until the official release in September instead. However, if you want to use some new features and bugs are not that big of a deal, then the new beta is a decent way to preview the future of iOS.
