iOS 26 has been in beta testing with developers since early June, but a public beta release could be on its way very soon.
Apple did confirm a launch would take place in the summer when iOS 26 was revealed at WWDC 2025, but we’re now well into July and still there’s been no sign.
However, according to a post on X by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is targeting July 23 for the public beta.
That would be a pretty late release, considering public betas usually follow the third developer beta by about a week. The third developer beta for iOS 26 arrived on July 7 and, with no public beta yet, Apple might release a revised beta 3 or the fourth developer beta before the public version goes live.
Those wanting to try the public beta will need to enrol through Apple’s Beta Software Program, download the beta profile, and update via the Settings app.
Just be mindful that there could be bugs, and we’d recommend you don’t install it on your primary phone, and if you do, make sure everything is backed up first.
You’ll be able to see Liquid Glass for yourself
The big change coming in iOS 26 is the new Liquid Glass design, which touches most of the OS from native apps like Music to Settings. It’s certainly been controversial, and Apple has toned down the effect slightly in the last couple of betas.
Other new features include updates to the Phone app to stop unwanted spam, a redesigned (again) Photos app and a new lock screen. iOS 26 is coming to the following devices, and these will also be supported by the beta.
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
As we near the anticipated release date, excitement is building among Apple enthusiasts. The final version of iOS 26 is expected to arrive in September alongside new iPhone models, including the iPhone 17 Air.
