Apple’s iOS 26 Beta, unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025, has sparked excitement among iPhone users eager to explore its new features, such as the Liquid Glass design and enhanced Apple Intelligence tools.
If you’re wondering how to download iOS 26 Beta on your iPhone, this guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process to help you safely install the beta version.
Why Download iOS 26 Beta in 2025?
The iOS 26 Beta introduces a transformative update for iPhone users, featuring a visually stunning Liquid Glass design, smarter Apple Intelligence capabilities, and revamped core apps like Messages, Camera, and Apple Music.
By downloading the beta, you can experience these features before the stable release in September 2025. Key highlights include:
- Liquid Glass Design: A translucent, fluid interface with dynamic animations.
- Live Translation: Real-time translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Apple Music lyrics.
- Apple Games App: A new hub for gaming with Apple Arcade integration.
- Enhanced Privacy: Features like Call Screening and Safety Checks for blocking contacts.
However, beta software can be unstable, so it’s essential to understand the process and risks before proceeding. Let’s dive into how to download iOS 26 Beta safely and efficiently.
Who Can Download iOS 26 Beta?
There are two types of iOS 26 Beta versions available in 2025:
- Developer Beta: Released on June 9, 2025, immediately after the WWDC keynote, this version is for registered Apple developers or users with a developer account.
- Public Beta: Expected in mid-July 2025, this version is more stable and available to anyone enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program.
Both betas are free to download, but the developer beta requires a developer account, while the public beta is open to all users willing to test pre-release software.
Supported Devices for iOS 26 Beta
Before you download iOS 26 Beta, ensure your iPhone is compatible. Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 supports iPhones released in 2019 or later, starting with the iPhone 11. Here’s a list of compatible devices:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series (all models)
Older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max (released in 2018) are not supported, meaning they won’t receive iOS 26 and will remain on iOS 18 with security updates only.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download iOS 26 Beta
Option 1: Download iOS 26 Developer Beta (Available Now)
The developer beta is currently available as of June 10, 2025, at 01:33 PM IST. Follow these steps to download iOS 26 Beta:
Step 1: Enroll in the Apple Developer Program
- Visit the Apple Developer website (developer.apple.com).
- Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new one.
- Apple now offers a free tier for the Developer Program, so you don’t need a paid subscription (previously $99/year) to access the beta. If you’re already a paid member, your existing account will work.
Step 2: Back Up Your iPhone
- Beta software can be unstable, potentially causing data loss. Before proceeding, back up your iPhone:
- Via iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then tap Back Up Now.
- Via Computer: Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC), and select Back Up Now.
Step 3: Enable Beta Updates on Your iPhone
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates (if you don’t see this option, ensure your device is compatible and your Apple ID is linked to a developer account).
- Select iOS 26 Developer Beta from the list.
Step 4: Download and Install the iOS 26 Beta
- Once the beta appears under Software Update, tap Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode if prompted, and agree to the terms and conditions.
- The download size may be around 5-7 GB, depending on your device, so ensure you’re on a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Your iPhone will restart during the installation process, which typically takes 15-30 minutes.
Step 5: Provide Feedback
- After installation, your iPhone will boot into iOS 26 Beta.
- The beta includes the Feedback Assistant app, which you can use to report bugs and help Apple improve the software before the stable release.
Option 2: Download iOS 26 Public Beta (Coming in July 2025)
The public beta, expected in mid-July 2025, is a more stable option for non-developers. Here’s how to prepare:
Step 1: Sign Up for the Apple Beta Software Program
- Visit beta.apple.com on your iPhone.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and enroll your device by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Back Up Your iPhone
- As with the developer beta, back up your device via iCloud or a computer to safeguard your data.
Step 3: Enable Beta Updates
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Select iOS 26 Public Beta when it becomes available in July 2025.
Step 4: Download and Install
- Tap Download and Install, enter your passcode, and follow the prompts.
- Your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be running the iOS 26 Public Beta.
Potential Risks of Downloading iOS 26 Beta
While it’s exciting to download iOS 26 Beta, beta software comes with risks:
- Performance Issues: Users have reported lag in the Notification Center and Control Center due to the Liquid Glass design’s translucent effects.
- Bugs and Crashes: Apps may crash, and features like the new Messages backgrounds or keyboard layout might not work as expected.
- Battery Drain: The beta isn’t fully optimized, potentially leading to faster battery drain.
- Overheating: Some devices run hot, even with minimal use.
To minimize risks, avoid installing the beta on your primary device. If you encounter issues, you can downgrade to iOS 18, but this requires a full device wipe, so ensure your backup is up to date.
What to Expect After Downloading iOS 26 Beta
Once you’ve successfully installed the iOS 26 Beta Version, you’ll notice several changes:
- Visual Overhaul: The Liquid Glass design gives your iPhone a futuristic look with translucent icons and dynamic animations.
- New Features: Test features like Live Translation, Call Screening, and the Apple Games app.
- Performance Monitoring: Keep an eye on battery life and app stability, reporting any issues via the Feedback Assistant app.
Apple will release multiple beta updates (likely eight) between June and September 2025, addressing bugs and improving performance with each release.
How to Revert to iOS 18 If Needed
If the iOS 26 Beta causes too many issues, you can downgrade to iOS 18:
- Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC).
- Follow Apple’s instructions to enter Recovery Mode (varies by model).
- Restore Your Device:
- Select Restore in Finder/iTunes to reinstall iOS 18.
- This process wipes your device, so restore from your backup afterward.
Conclusion
Downloading the iOS 26 Beta is an exciting way to experience Apple’s latest features, from the Liquid Glass design to Live Translation, before the stable release in September 2025.
As of June 10, 2025, the developer beta is available for those with a developer account, while the public beta will arrive in July. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely download iOS 26 Beta and explore its innovations, but be mindful of potential bugs and performance issues.
Always back up your device and consider using a secondary iPhone to avoid disruptions. Stay tuned for Apple’s updates as they refine iOS 26 throughout 2025, leading to a polished stable release later this year.
