Apple has officially opened access to the iOS 26 public beta, giving iPhone users a chance to preview new features and design changes ahead of the full release later this year. This update marks a significant shift in Apple’s software direction, offering a mix of visual upgrades, AI-powered tools, and practical enhancements across key apps.
To install iOS 26, users need an iPhone with at least the A13 Bionic chip meaning the iPhone 11 series and second-generation iPhone SE are the oldest compatible models. Devices like the iPhone XR and XS, which use the A12 chip, are not supported.
One of the standout changes is the new Liquid Glass interface, a modern reimagining of the iPhone’s look and feel. Replacing the flat design language used for years, Liquid Glass brings a more immersive and tactile visual style.
iOS 26 also introduces Apple Intelligence, a system-wide AI layer that brings smart features like notification summaries, writing suggestions, and Genmoji AI-generated emojis. However, these AI features require the A17 Pro chip or newer, making them exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 series.
Siri sees a major upgrade with better natural language processing and deeper integration into system settings. Users can also optionally integrate ChatGPT directly into Siri for more advanced responses.
The Messages app gets formatting options like bold and italics, the ability to create polls in group chats, and customizable chat backgrounds. The Phone app now includes call screening for unknown callers, a Hold Assist feature to notify users when calls resume, and improved voicemail transcription.
For content creators, the Camera app now supports external microphones, while the Photos app offers direct Live Photo sharing in shared albums.
AI-generated news notification summaries return in this version, but users must opt in during setup, with clear disclaimers about possible changes to original headlines.
To install the public beta:
- Back up your iPhone.
- Visit the Apple Beta Software Program site and sign in.
- Enroll your iPhone.
- On your device, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose iOS 26 Public Beta.
As always, beta versions may contain bugs, so it’s best to test on a secondary device. The final iOS 26 release is expected in September 2025.
