Apple has officially released iOS 26 Developer Beta 1, offering developers and customers an initial look at the future of iPhones. Unveiled at WWDC 2025, this new build is a huge step forward in design and user experience. Released today for iPhone 11 and later, it’s set to become one of Apple’s most daring redesigns since iOS 7.
Let’s dive into the most thrilling features and critical information of iOS 26 Beta in 600 words.
A New Look: The Liquid Glass Interface
The greatest thing about iOS 26 is its newly-introduced Liquid Glass design language. Apple has done away with the old, longstanding visual aesthetic that debuted with iOS 7. Liquid Glass introduces a smoother, more translucent interface that is almost alive. App windows seem to hover. Menus curve gently with movement. Each screen looks like it’s buried under a sheet of smooth polished glass. This redesign makes the iPhone visually gorgeous and amazingly contemporary to use.
Compatible with iPhone 11 and Later
Apple is releasing iOS 26 for iPhones beginning with iPhone 11 models. That excludes older models such as iPhone X and iPhone 8. The release of the final public edition will happen in autumn 2025, but developers can already test it by installing the beta.
Simple Access: No Paid Developer Account Required
Earlier in 2023, Apple shifted its beta access policy. Anyone with an Apple ID can now enroll for free in the Apple Beta Software Program. You don’t have to be a paid developer program member. Simply go to:
- Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates
- Turn on developer beta.
- Download and install iOS 26 Beta 1 straight away, over the air.
Size and Requirements
The beta is gigantic, it is 15GB in size. Apple suggests having no less than 20GB of available space to prevent any glitches. Also, keep your device charged and connected to Wi-Fi while installing.
Backup First, Experiment Later
Apple highly recommends not installing the developer beta on your everyday iPhone. iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 is a testing release. It could be flaky, buggy, and include missing or partial features. Third-party apps can also crash or misbehave. Always backup your device prior to upgrading. Use iCloud or a local backup using Finder or iTunes.
New Features to Explore
While the beta doesn’t contain all the promised features just yet, here’s a taste of what’s new:
- Interactive widgets: Tap and control apps on your home screen directly.
- Dynamic lock screen themes: Configure time-based or mood-based themes.
- Smarter Siri: Apple’s voice assistant now better understands context and operates offline for simple commands.
- Advanced privacy control: You can now grant app permissions on a per-action level.
- Live Activities everywhere: Not only on the lock screen, now they appear in apps as well.
Apple guarantees more features will become available in upcoming beta releases.
Public Beta Coming Soon
If you don’t feel at ease with the developer beta, wait. Apple will be releasing the iOS 26 Public Beta later this summer. Public betas are typically more stable and safe for everyday use. You can still have a head start getting familiar with the update without as many risks.
A Unified Naming System
With iOS 26, Apple is updating how it assigns names to its software. No more iOS 19. All systems now have numbers corresponding to the release year. iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 follow suit. It’s streamlined, uncomplicated, and better to recall.
Final Word
iOS 26 Beta is beautiful, bold, and full of promise. The Liquid Glass look is a real revamp. New features are smart and useful. Although the developer beta isn’t for everybody, it plainly indicates Apple’s way forward. Tech-savvy users with a second iPhone can get in on the action now and try Apple’s most ambitious update in years.
Just remember: Back up, go slow, and have fun with the future of iOS.
