iOS 26 Public Beta Rolling Out Today: Top Features, Who Can Get It, & What’s New
iOS 26 public beta is set to go live today. Here's a look at its refreshed design, Apple Intelligence tools, and which iPhones are eligible for this early version of the update.
iOS 26 Public Beta: Apple is expected to begin rolling out the public beta of iOS 26 today, giving iPhone users a first look at the upcoming update’s new design and AI features. First announced at WWDC 2025, iOS 26 has already gone through several developer beta cycles and is now opening up to a broader audience.
Users interested in trying the software before its official release later this year can sign up through the Apple Beta Software Program, but not all iPhones will make the cut. Here's everything you need to know.
How To Get The iOS 26 Public Beta
The public beta is expected to roll out starting today. Users who want to try it early can do so by heading to Apple’s Beta Software Program and signing in with their Apple ID. Once registered, the update can be installed directly from the device’s Settings app.
Apple, however, recommends backing up your device first, as beta builds may still contain bugs or stability issues.
Top Features Coming With iOS 26
This year’s update brings one of the most significant visual refreshes in recent memory. The new Liquid Glass design introduces revamped app icons, smooth animations, and more flexible customisation for the Lock and Home screens. Several apps like Safari, Photos, and Camera are getting layout improvements as well.
Apple Intelligence, the new AI layer, powers features like live translation, Genmoji (custom emojis), and context-aware suggestions. The system also introduces tools like Image Playground, which lets users create playful images, and smarter shortcuts based on screen content. In Messages, users can now create polls, use custom chat backgrounds, and see group typing indicators. Unknown senders are filtered automatically.
The Phone app has been upgraded to include Call Screening and Hold Assist, along with a more streamlined view of voicemails, recents, and favourites. iOS 26 also includes a new Apple Games app for managing titles, and CarPlay sees updates like widget support and compact call views.
Which iPhones Are Eligible?
iOS 26 drops support for older devices like the iPhone XR and iPhone XS. The public beta will be available for the iPhone 11 series and newer, including second- and third-generation iPhone SE models.
However, to access the full range of Apple Intelligence features, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or any model from the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup.
Before You Get iOS 26...
If you’re signing up for the beta, make sure to back up your iPhone first. Since this is still a testing version, users may experience glitches or incomplete features.
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