The long-awaited iOS 26 has been officially unveiled by Apple during WWDC 2025. After extensive speculation and leaks, the striking new “Liquid Glass” aesthetic has been confirmed. Additionally, the Camera app has received a significant update after several years, and real-time translation features will now be available across all compatible Apple devices.

While the official release of iOS 26 to the public is scheduled for this fall, users with compatible iPhones can experience it right now through the newly launched developer beta. However, caution is advised for those considering this option.

Why Avoid the iOS 26 Developer Beta

Betas are inherently incomplete versions of software. Their primary objective is to identify bugs, performance issues, and compatibility challenges. Developers are tasked with resolving these problems before the broader rollout.

This iteration from Apple is particularly tailored as a developer beta, designed specifically for developers to test their applications alongside iOS 26. This allows them to optimize their software for the forthcoming OS while informing Apple of any significant system-level issues.

Given that this is the earliest version of iOS 26, it is expected to be the most unstable. With several months until the public release, it is advisable to wait. The prospect of new features is alluring, yet using this beta could result in an unreliable experience, rendering your device difficult to navigate—and possibly even unusable. Should you choose to remove the beta later, you may have to revert to iOS 18, risking potential data loss without a proper backup.

If a spare iPhone isn’t available for testing, it would be wiser to hold off. Apple plans to release a public beta in July, which, though still imperfect, will have undergone more rigorous testing compared to the developer version.

Steps to Install the iOS 26 Developer Beta

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In previous years, access to Apple’s developer betas required a paid subscription, limiting early testing opportunities for most users. Recently, Apple has made it free to sign up as a developer, simplifying access to the beta versions.

To begin, enroll your Apple ID in the Apple Developer program by logging in here and agreeing to the necessary terms. Next, navigate to the Settings app, select General > Software Update > Beta Updates, where you will see the option for iOS 26 Developer Beta once it becomes available. Click Back in the top left to allow iOS to load the beta, then choose Update Now.

Compatible iPhones for iOS 26

To install iOS 26, your iPhone must meet compatibility criteria. Unfortunately, the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR will not support this update. The following models are confirmed to be compatible with iOS 26:

• 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)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)

New Features in iOS 26

The latest update brings an array of exciting features. Among them is the “Liquid Glass” design, which draws inspiration from the way light interacts with transparent materials. While it may sound extravagant, the aesthetic reflects a minimalist approach and showcases meticulous details—eager anticipation surrounds its practical use.

Live Translation will facilitate communication across languages, enabling seamless bilingual conversations. Furthermore, the Visual Intelligence feature can now analyze any screen content—a substantial enhancement for users. The new Genmoji and Image Playground tools allow the merging of two AI-generated images, and the Shortcuts application has been bolstered with Apple Intelligence support.

Significant updates extend to the Phone app, which is revamped to help reduce spam calls with features like Call Screening that verifies caller information prior to connecting, along with Hold Assist, which informs users when a live operator becomes available. The Messages app will also receive spam screening capabilities, along with background customization options and polls for group chats. The Camera app showcases a fresh design, marking a noteworthy advancement in the photography experience with iOS 26.