Apple has rolled out the iOS 26 Public Beta for iPhone after testing the new OS with developers in the last few months after its WWDC 2025 preview. If you have stayed away from developer beta update and it is trying for your first iOS 26, then the most notable change that you will see initially is a new user interface (UI) design called liquid glass. The new UI has a translucent material that reflects and refracting other visual elements. The iOS 26 also has many other new features, including call screening, adaptation options and more.
iOS 26 Public Beta: How to get it
For access to Apple’s developer and public beta updates, you need to be enrolled in the Apple beta software program. Then proceed to install beta firmware on your iPhone. Here is described how to get the new iOS 26 public beta update:
- Navigate Beta.apple.com
- Tap on the signup button and enter your Apple ID
- Read the terms and conditions and tap on the button if you are ready to comply with
- Open settings on your iPhone
- Navigate General> software updateThe iPhone will automatically investigate for any pending update
- At the top, you will see a new Beta update Option. Tap on it and then choose iOS 26 Public Beta
- Go back Software update Page and now you should see iOS 26 Public beta on screen
- tap on Download and installRead terms and conditions, and agree with them
- iOS 26 Public Beta will then be downloaded and installed on your iPhone
iOS 26 Public Beta: Which iPhone models are compatible
According to Apple, iOS 26 is compatible with Public Beta iPhone 11 and later models nominated in the Apple Beta Software Program. However, Apple Intelligence features will be limited to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 series.
IOS 26 Public Beta will be introduced as a free Oiver-The -Ar (OTA) update. Here the list of iPhone models is eligible to get update:
- iPhone 16 Series
- iPhone 15 Series
- iPhone 14 Series
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13 Series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 Series
iOS 26 Public Beta: What’s new
The iOS 26 public beta bears all the changes that are available with developer beta update post WWDC 2025. The new liquid glass UI reacts to the visual elements around you by reflecting and refraining the light. According to Apple, it brids the difference between various apple operating systems and provides more harmonious looks in devices, inspired by visionos.
There are new adaptation options for home and lock screen, including a newly cleared look that can be applied to the icon. The camera app is also updated with a better layout, which has easy switching between different shooting modes. Tech veteran has also rebuilt his photo app and now it has different tabs for library and collection views.
Meanwhile, the tab bar is also re -designed in Apple Music News, Podcast and more apps. According to Apple, it floats near the top and can shrink dynamically to highlight the content of the screen.
There are also new Apple Intelligence features. The first is live translation. As the name suggests, it uses an on-device AI model to automatically translate lessons and audio in real-time languages such as English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Moving forward, the iOS 26 also brings the public beta call screening. It works similar to convenience with the same name on Google Pixel, taking advantage of Live Viocell to collect information from the collar as to who they are and the purpose behind them to call. The recipient can then decide whether they want to choose a call or not. Then the hold is assist. When they get caught in the grip, the feature can inform the user when the person is available at the other end of the line.
Other notable changes include Apple Music in Lyrics Translation and Automics Features, Maps, The Apple Games App and AI-Evid shortcuts and tools dedicated to tool and image playground.
