Following its WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple has released the iOS 26 developer beta, introducing a major redesign and a host of advanced features. This update marks a significant leap in Apple’s mobile operating system, skipping straight from iOS 18 to iOS 26 to align with the numbering of its other platforms and signal a new era in iPhone software.
The most eye-catching change is Liquid Glass, a new visual design language that brings a sleek, lens-like transparency to the user interface across devices. Other highlights include Live Translation in Messages and FaceTime, enabling real-time multilingual conversations, and Call Screening, which handles unknown callers with live transcription so users can decide whether to answer. The new Hold Assist feature waits on hold for users and notifies them when a human responds.
These updates are being hailed as the most transformative since the release of iOS 7, touching nearly every part of the iPhone experience with deeper AI integration and smarter tools across the board.
Developer Beta Now Available, But With Caution
The iOS 26 developer beta is now available for download, and for the first time, users do not need to pay the $99 developer fee to access it. However, Apple warns that this early version is intended for developers and may include bugs, performance issues, and compatibility hiccups that could affect everyday use. For most users, the public beta, expected to launch next month, will offer a more stable testing ground.
Before installing, users need to ensure their device is compatible (iPhone 11 or newer) and updated to iOS 18.5. At least 15GB of free storage, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and an archived backup are strongly recommended. This backup can be created using Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows, ensuring a restore point in case something goes wrong. Recovery Mode will be required to revert to iOS 18.5 if the beta causes major issues.
Installation Steps and Device Compatibility
Installing iOS 26 developer beta is straightforward. Users can go to the Apple Developer site, log in with their Apple ID, accept terms, and enable Developer Mode on their iPhone. From there, they’ll see the iOS 26 developer beta option under Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. The system will guide them through downloading and installing the update.
Only iPhones with the A13 Bionic chip and newer are supported, starting with the iPhone 11. Notably, Apple Intelligence Apple’s suite of AI features will only run on select models, specifically the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and the upcoming iPhone 17 series.
With its dramatic interface overhaul and deep AI integration, iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most ambitious updates. While developers and early adopters are already exploring its capabilities, the broader public will get their chance once the public beta becomes available next month.
