How to Install iOS 26 Public Beta on iPhone
Apple has officially launched the Public Beta versions of iOS 26 for iPhone and iPadOS 26 for iPad. These public betas give everyday users early access to the latest features Apple is working on, without having to use the developer beta testing channel.
If you’re a tech-savvy user who likes getting direct experience with new system software before it’s finalized, the public beta program is a great opportunity. You’ll be able to try out new features like the shiny Liquid Glass interface, customizable app icons, the revamped Phone app, a redesigned Lock Screen, the new Games app, and plenty more small changes and improvements throughout iOS/iPadOS 26.
If you’re ready to explore iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS Tahoe 26 early, you can enroll your device in the Apple Beta Software Program and start testing today.
iOS 26 Public Beta System Requirements & Compatibility
Curious users who’d like to install iOS 26 public beta onto iPhone or iPadOS 26 public beta onto iPad will need to meet some simple requirements.
First, make sure you have tolerance for a beta system software experience, which is typically buggier and less stable than a final version. If you are not comfortable with an iPhone or iPad that may crash spontaneously, or experience reduced battery life, reduced performance, and general mishaps and mayhem, like certain apps not working, then this is not the experience for you.
You’ll also need to make sure your associated Apple ID and device is enrolled in the public beta program (you can do that at beta.apple.com). Next, make sure your backup your device locally, as well backing up to iCloud. You’ll also need at least 30GB of free storage available to be able to successfully download and install the beta update onto iPhone or iPad.
Finally, you’ll need an iOS 26 compatible iPhone or iPad. This includes all models, including the base, Pro, Max, Mini, and Plus, of iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, or iPhone SE 2 or later. As for iPad, you’ll find compatiblity with all M-Series iPad models, as well as iPad Pro 11″ from 2018 onward, iPad Pro 12.9″ from 3rd gen and later, iPad Air 3rd gen and later, iPad 8 and later, and iPad mini 5th gen and later.
You’ll also want a willingness to provide feedback for the iOS 26 betas using the included Feedback application. You can submit bug reports, problems, issues, suggestions, ideas, and just about anything else.
How to Install iOS 26 Public Beta on iPhone or iPadOS 26 Public Beta on iPad
- Open a web browser and go to beta.apple.com to enroll in the public beta program with your Apple ID
- Next, backup iPhone or iPad to iCloud, and also to your computer
- Open “Settings” app on the compatible iPhone or iPad
- Go to “General” and then to “Software Update”
- Choose “Beta Updates”
- Select “iOS 26 Public Beta” or “iPadOS 26 Public Beta”
- Return to “Software Update” to find the iOS 26 beta / iPadOS 26 beta available, tap on “Update Now” to start the download and installation process
The installation of iOS 26 public beta may take a little while, depending on things like device speed, internet connection speed, and Apple’s servers. When the update has completed installing, the iPhone or iPad will restart and you’ll be running the iOS 26 beta on your device.
Explore the new Liquid Glass interface, new features, make changes to the display of icons and widgets, check out the new Messages features like custom backgrounds, and have fun exploring the beta experience. If you’re on iPad with iPadOS 26 beta, you’ll get to experience the completely new multitasking and windowing interfaces on iPad, which add some Mac-like functionality to multitasking.
Future beta updates will arrive through Software Update, and this includes the final version when it is released in the fall.
Because the betas are actively being worked on, it’s normal for some things to not work as expected. Also, even aspects like the Liquid Glass interface itself are under development, so don’t be surprised if you see some visual changes between beta updates.
Why run the public beta instead of the developer beta for iOS 26?
Public betas usually share the same build as the latest developer release, but they arrive slightly later. That delay gives developers time to spot any major bugs before the software reaches a wider audience of testers. In other words, public betas are a bit more stable, though they’re still beta, so expect bugs and quirks to be experienced.
