How to Download iOS 26 Public Beta on Your iPhone Today!

Want to try Apple’s new Liquid Glass design early? Here’s how to get iOS 26 before anyone else.

Apple just revealed iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and it’s one of the biggest visual overhauls in years. With the new Liquid Glass UI, smoother animations, and deep system-wide refinements, this update is already turning heads.

The developer beta is live now, and the public beta is expected to land sometime in mid-July, which means you won’t have to wait long to try it out. So whether you’re a developer or just a curious iPhone user, here’s how to get the iOS 26 beta today, which devices support it, and what to expect.

What Is iOS 26?

iOS 26 is Apple’s latest major update for the iPhone. The standout feature? Liquid Glass. A new design language that makes the UI feel more fluid, modern, and unified across Apple devices. But it’s not just about looks. iOS 26 also packs performance improvements, under-the-hood system changes, and smarter integrations across apps and widgets.

Developer Beta vs Public Beta

Apple releases iOS updates in three stages:

Developer Beta (available now): Early access for developers. Expect bugs, crashes, and experimental UI changes.
Public Beta (expected mid-July): More stable, open to anyone who signs up for Apple’s Beta Software Program.
General Release (coming this fall): Fully polished version that rolls out to everyone.

Reminder: Betas are not final software. Features may change, and bugs are common. If you’re installing this on your primary device, proceed with caution.

How to Download the iOS 26 Developer Beta

⚠️ This requires a developer account.

Go to Apple Developer
Sign in with your Apple ID linked to your developer account
On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update
Tap Beta Updates
Select iOS 26 Developer Beta
Download and install as normal

How to Get the iOS 26 Public Beta (Coming Soon)

Once it’s live (likely mid-July), anyone can get the public beta. Here’s how:

Visit Apple Beta Software Program
Sign in with your Apple ID
Enroll your iPhone
On your device, go to Settings > General > Software Update
Select iOS 26 Public Beta
Download and install

That’s it, no cables, no weird profiles.

iPhones That Support iOS 26

If you’ve got one of these, you’re good to go:

iPhone 16e / 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)

Not supported: iPhone X, XS, XR, XS Max, or anything older

See full list here.

Should You Install the Beta?

Here’s the trade-off:

✔️ You get early access to the coolest new features
❌ But you may deal with battery drain, app crashes, and system instability

If you rely on your iPhone every day, consider waiting for the public beta, which is usually a little more polished.

What If Your iPhone Doesn’t Support iOS 26?

So your iPhone didn’t make the cut? Don’t panic, it’s not the end of the world. Just because your device won’t get iOS 26 doesn’t mean it’s useless. You’ve got a few smart moves you can make instead.

1. Sell It

Even older iPhones hold value, especially if they’re in good shape. You’ll want to:

Wipe your data (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone)
Check resale sites like Swappa, Decluttr, or eBay
Be honest in the listing: note that it no longer receives major iOS updates

A clean, working iPhone XS or XR can still fetch solid money, especially with original accessories or packaging. There’s always a market for budget-friendly Apple gear.

2. Trade It In

If you’re eyeing a newer model, trade-in programs make upgrading easy. Retailers like:

Apple
Amazon
Best Buy
Target
Most mobile carriers (Verizon, AT&T, etc.)

…will give you instant credit or gift cards based on your phone’s condition, model, and storage.

Pro tip: Use Apple’s Trade-In Tool to get a quote in seconds.

3. Repurpose It

Don’t want to part with it? Turn your older iPhone into something useful:

Dedicated music or podcast player (great for workouts or the car)
Smart home controller (keep it on the coffee table for quick access to HomeKit devices)
Security cam viewer (link it to systems like Ring or Nest)
AirPlay remote for Apple TV
Travel phone with a local SIM

As long as the battery’s in decent shape, an older iPhone can still be a solid sidekick.tes.

Summary

iOS 26 is available now as a developer beta
Public beta drops mid-July
iPhones from iPhone 11 and newer are supported
Betas can be buggy, install at your own risk
Trade in your old device if it’s unsupported

Author
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Eric Sandler

Chief Writer at WiFi Planet

Eric Sandler is a veteran US tech writer with over 25 years of experience covering the latest advancements in the world of technology. From groundbreaking innovations to in-depth reviews, Eric has built a reputation for delivering insightful, reliable content. His work spans across a variety of tech topics, including smartphones, gadgets, AI, and more, making him a trusted voice in the industry.