Apple is gearing up to launch the public beta of iOS 26, the latest version of its mobile operating system, packed with exciting new features, an updated interface, and smarter AI integrations. If you’re an iPhone user wondering when iOS 26 public beta will be released, which iPhones will support it, and what’s new in this update, this article covers everything you need to know.
iOS 26 Public Beta Release Date
Apple officially introduced iOS 26 during its annual WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) event earlier this year. Following multiple rounds of developer testing, the company is expected to release the iOS 26 public beta on or around July 23, 2025, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
This public beta allows regular iPhone users to experience the new features and design updates ahead of the stable release, which is likely to coincide with the launch of the iPhone 17 series in September 2025.
How to Join the iOS 26 Public Beta
If you want early access to iOS 26, you can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program for free. Here’s how:
- Visit beta.apple.com on your iPhone.
- Sign in using your Apple ID.
- Enroll your device and follow the instructions.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update, and enable Beta Updates.
Important Note: Before installing the beta version, make sure to back up your iPhone, as early software builds may contain bugs or performance issues.
iOS 26 Supported Devices: Which iPhones Will Get the Update?
With iOS 26, Apple is ending support for some older iPhones. The following devices will NOT receive the update:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
However, iOS 26 will be compatible with these devices and newer:
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen and 3rd Gen)
- iPhone 16 series
If you’re interested in Apple Intelligence features, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any of the latest iPhone 16 models, as these require more powerful on-device processing.
iOS 26 New Features: What’s Changed?
1. Liquid Glass Design: A Major Visual Overhaul
One of the biggest highlights of iOS 26 is the new Liquid Glass UI design. This is Apple’s most significant visual update since iOS 7. The interface now looks cleaner, with:
- Transparent and fluid UI effects
- Updated app icons
- Smoother animations
- New Home and Lock screen customisation options
Apps like Photos, Camera, and Safari have been redesigned for better usability, giving the entire OS a sleek, modern feel without compromising simplicity.
2. Apple Intelligence: Smarter AI Integration
Apple is going all-in with artificial intelligence in iOS 26. Branded as Apple Intelligence, the AI suite introduces:
- Live translation of audio and text
- On-screen content analysis for contextual suggestions
- ChatGPT integration for enhanced support
- Genmoji: AI-generated custom emojis
- Image Playground: Create fun images using prompts
- Smart Shortcuts: Personalized automation suggestions based on usage
These features are especially helpful for productivity and creativity, streamlining everyday iPhone tasks with a touch of AI magic.
3. Better Phone and Messages Experience
Apple has revamped the Phone and Messages apps with some useful additions:
Phone App:
- Unified view for Recents, Favourites, and Voicemails
- Call Screening to detect spam calls
- Hold Assist that waits on hold for you and notifies when a human is available
Messages App:
- Customisable chat backgrounds
- Polls within conversations
- Typing indicators in group chats
- Automatic filtering of unknown senders into a separate folder
These improvements make communication smoother, smarter, and more personalized.
4. New Apple Games App
To cater to mobile gamers, iOS 26 brings a dedicated Apple Games app. This hub helps users:
- Discover new games
- Manage game-related settings
- Track achievements and progress
It’s a centralised platform designed to make the iOS gaming experience more enjoyable and organised.
5. CarPlay Enhancements
For users who rely on Apple CarPlay, iOS 26 adds exciting features like:
- Pinned conversations for easy access
- Widget support for quick information
- Compact call view to reduce screen clutter
These updates aim to improve usability while driving, ensuring safer and more convenient interactions.
iOS 26 Final Release Date
While the iOS 26 public beta is expected around July 23, 2025, the final stable version of iOS 26 will likely roll out in September 2025, alongside the iPhone 17 launch. This is consistent with Apple’s typical annual release cycle.
Conclusion
The upcoming iOS 26 update is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most ambitious software updates in years. From the visually stunning Liquid Glass design to powerful Apple Intelligence AI features, and a more intuitive messaging and calling experience — iOS 26 is built to offer more control, productivity, and fun.
If your device is supported and you’re eager to explore the new features early, don’t forget to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program and try out the iOS 26 public beta once it goes live.
