Apple calls iOS 26 the most significant redesign of its iPhone software since iOS 7, and while it’s not officially due out until later this year, you can install a beta version right now.
While it’ll likely be buggy, especially in the earlier betas, it provides dedicated fans – as well as iOS app developers – early access to the upcoming software update. You’ll be able to preview elements like the Liquid Glass-inspired OS redesign, as well as new features like a dedicated Games app, improved Messages functionality and much more.
If you want to try out iOS 26 before its big release later this year, here’s how to get the iOS 26 beta right now.
A word of caution: iOS betas, especially early developer betas, can be extremely buggy, and we recommend not installing them on your main iPhone. If you do want to take the risk, ensure you back up your data first, as you will be unable to reinstall an iOS 26 backup on iOS 18 if you decide to downgrade later on.
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What you’ll need
- An iPhone 11 or later
- An Apple Developer account
- An active internet connection
The short version
- Sign up for an Apple Developer account.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates.
- Tap iOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Tap Update Now.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Wait for the beta to download and install.
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Step 1.
Sign up for an Apple Developer account
As the iOS 26 beta is exclusive to developers, you’ll need to sign up for an Apple Developer account to access it. But unlike in the early days of iOS, you no longer need to pay for access – simply head over to the Apple Developer portal and enrol using the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone.
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Step 2.
Open the Settings app
Once you’ve signed up for a developer account, the next step is to open the Settings app on your iPhone.
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Step 3.
Tap General
From the main Settings menu, tap General.
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Step 4.
Tap Software Update
Within the General tab, you should see the option for Software Updates. Tap that to continue.
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Step 5.
Tap Beta Updates
You’ll likely see that you’ve got the most recent version of iOS installed – so where’s the iOS 26 beta? Tap the Beta Updates section. If that’s not available, try restarting your iPhone.
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Step 6.
Tap iOS 26 Developer Beta
From the list of available beta updates, tap iOS 26 Developer Beta and go back to the main Software Update menu.
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Step 7.
Tap Update Now
You should now see the iOS 26 Developer Beta appear. Tap Update Now to begin the update process. Alternatively, you can tap Update Tonight if you want it to automatically install overnight while you’re asleep.
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Step 8.
Agree to the terms and conditions
You’ll be prompted to agree to the terms and conditions to proceed with the install. Simply tap Agree to continue.
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Step 9.
Wait for the beta to download and install
The iOS 26 Beta should now begin downloading on your device. Once it’s ready, your iPhone will automatically restart and install the update. Upon powering back up, you should have access to iOS 26 and all the new features it offers.
FAQ
If you’re not keen on the idea of registering as a developer, Apple has confirmed that the iOS 26 Public Beta will be released sometime in July.
