Try iOS 26 Now: How to Install the Developer Beta on Your iPhone

While the rest of the world holds its breath for theofficial iOS 26 public preview, anyone interested in taking a few additional steps can install the most recent version of the beta software of thenewest operating system for their iPhoneCurrently, utilizing Apple’s developer program. The upcoming version of iOS will include a striking new design and enhanced AI capabilities.

Apple released the fourth developer betatoday. It introduces some new design changes and the return ofAI-powered notification summaries.

The most significant update in iOS 26 isLiquid Glass, Apple’s latest unified design approach across all its devices, along with two highly anticipated phone features —Call Screeningtakes calls from unknown numbers on your behalf, inquires about the reason for the call, and provides a real-time transcript so you can choose whether to answer; meanwhile, its companion feature, Hold Assist, listens to hold music and notifies you the moment a live person becomes available.

By jumping straight from iOS 18 through iOS 26, Apple is synchronizing its mobile OS naming with the rest of its platforms and indicating a major generation shift instead of the typical yearly improvement. It’s the most significant OS update since iOS 7, featuring changes and improvements across almost every aspect of the iPhone.

If you’re interested in testing any of these features, you can start immediately. Below is the process for downloading the iOS 26 developer beta.

Warning: Obtain the iOS 26 developer beta at your own discretion

Indeed, the iOS 26 developer beta is available at no cost, but keep in mind that it’s designed for developers, not regular users. Initial versions tend to have issues that might cause apps to crash, consume more battery power, cause your device to heat up, and make your phone feel slower overall. If you don’t need to evaluate software with Apple’s upcoming release, it’s wiser to remain on the current version.public beta, which will be released shortly, on your primary iPhone.

Which iPhone models are compatible with iOS 26?

As long as you have an iPhone 11 or later, you can install iOS 26. This indicates that the iPhone XR/XS series is no longer supported, whereas all devices with an A13 Bionic chip and newer, including the upcoming iPhone 17 models, are covered. Here is the complete list of compatible iPhone models that can run iOS 26:

Apple Intelligence is available exclusively on compatible devices, such as all iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

How to set up your iPhone for installing the iOS 26 developer preview

Before you become overly enthusiastic and begin downloading the iOS 26 developer beta, there are several steps you should take:

Check your hardware first.This beta is compatible only withiPhone 11 and newer. If you’re looking for the headline Apple Intelligence features, you’ll need aniPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or any devices in the upcoming iPhone 17 series.
Update to the most recent official version.Ensure your phone is running the latest stable version (currently iOS 18.5). This can help avoid problems that may occur when updating with older software.
Enjoy a strong Wi-Fi signalYou desire a seamless installation, which requires you to be connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
Have sufficient storage space on your phoneYou must have at least 15GB of storage available on your phone to install the iOS 26 developer beta.
Archive a backup.A standard iCloud backup can be replaced; you need one that is immutable. On yourMac, connect your iPhone, openFinder, choose your device, tapBack Up Now > Manage Backups, right-click the new backup and selectArchive. On Windows, it’s quite comparable. OpeniTunes, click Back Up Now, find the backup inPreferences and archive it.
Know the escape hatch.If the beta causes any damage to your phone (this has never occurred with me), you will need to place the phone inRecovery Mode, restore iOS 18.5, and then retrieve that saved backup to the device.

After completing these steps, you should be mostly prepared to proceed.

How to set up the iOS 26 developer preview on your iPhone

Apple now allows any user to install developer betas without paying the $99 yearly fee. To proceed, go to theApple Developer siteOn the device you intend to update, open the ☰ menu, selectAccount, and sign in using that device’s Apple ID. Accept the terms, check the necessary boxes, and tapSubmit. You might also need to activateDeveloper Mode in Settings > Privacy and Security.

You can now install the iOS 26 developer beta on your device through an over-the-air update:

After you register for theApple Developer program, you should be able to find the option to download the iOS 26 developer beta in your settings.
On your device, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updatesand choose the iOS 26 Developer Beta.
Go back and tap Download and Installunder the new “iOS 26 Developer Beta” selection that becomes visible.

Lastly, enter your passcode, agree to the terms and conditions, and allow the installer to proceed. With a strong Wi-Fi connection, the download and reboot process should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, though this can differ. Once your iPhone restarts, you’ll be using the iOS 26 developer beta.

Released on July 22, 2025, at 5:35 p.m. PT.