iPhone fans, it’s time to rejoice. At the long-awaited WWDC 2025, Apple finally unveiled iOS 26, and with it, its beta release schedule. So, if you’re waiting to learn when the iOS 26 beta drops and how you can test it on your iPhone, here’s the entire lowdown.
iOS 26 Developer Beta is Available Now
The iOS 26 developer beta is available from June 9, 2025 for registered Apple Developers. If you are an Apple ID-verified developer, you may download the new version and begin testing the new features. Early access allows developers to test their apps before public release and provide feedback to Apple on bugs and improvements.
How to install iOS 26 developer beta:
- Open Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone
- Tap Beta Updates
- Choose iOS 26 Developer Beta
- Ensure that your Apple ID is linked with a developer account. Upon confirmation, the update appears, ready to be downloaded.
Public Beta Coming Next Month
For non-developers who simply want the preview anyway, Apple will release the public beta of iOS 26 in July 2025. It will be available to all iPhone users who enroll in Apple’s Beta Software Program. While it’s a safer and more polished build than the developer one, it’s still a beta—anticipate a couple of minor bugs or glitches.
Public beta is appropriate for the users who want to test the features of iOS 26 ahead of its launch without relying on their iPhone for serious assignments.
Release of Stable iOS 26 This Fall
The final and most stable version of iOS 26 will be made available during fall 2025, likely in September, following Apple’s annual iPhone event. This release will be made available for all supported models of iPhones and will be launched globally over-the-air.
Expect the stable release to be flawless, streamlined, and populated with all the features that were announced. It will be pre-installed on the new iPhone 17 series, which is also tipped to arrive this fall.
Supported iPhone Models for iOS 26
If you’re wondering if your iPhone supports iOS 26, here’s the full list of supported devices:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 16 series
Future AI features in iOS 26, like Apple Intelligence, will require more sophisticated chips and are available only on:
iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max
All iPhone 16 models
What’s New in iOS 26?
iOS 26 is bringing an exciting mix of visual and feature upgrades:
- Liquid Glass Design: Apple’s new user interface has depth, motion, and translucency, making the interface feel more fluid and alive.
- Smarter AI Features: More sophisticated Apple smarts for anticipating text, fine-tuning photos, and personalization by computer.
- App Redesigns: Major native apps like Music, News, and Photos get immersive new looks.
- Enhanced Privacy Features: More features to monitor app tracking and permission requests.
- New Developer APIs: Get your apps in sync with the new looks and functionality.
This release is all about making your iPhone more personal, speedy, and beautiful.
Should You Download iOS 26 Beta?
If you are a developer or an avid tech user, installing the iOS 26 developer beta gives you early access to game-changing features. However, since it is still in testing, it might include bugs or affect app performance.
The July public beta will be a less risky choice for people who use computers casually. If you prefer a good experience with less distraction, you should wait until the release in the fall.
Final Thoughts
So when does iOS 26 beta come out? It’s already live for developers starting June 9, 2025. Public beta testers can join in a month, and the final, production-ready version will be coming in the autumn. Whether you’re a developer or a regular user, iOS 26 has a smarter, more streamlined, and safer iPhone experience waiting for you.
Watch this space and have your iPhone at the ready for the upgrade!
