The iOS 26 is finally in its first public beta, which gives the iPhone users an early glimpse of Apple’s latest operating system months before its final release. This year, the new iPhone OS is asked to bring one of the biggest visual and functional overhaul in iOS history. The version not only promises to change what your iPhone looks, but also how it works by introducing a new liquid glass design, expanded Apple Intelligence AI features and major reforms for core apps.

If you are eager to try the new liquid glass design and whatever is brought, here is a quick guide to see how to download beta, what features include, and when we can expect the final release.

IOS 26 introduces a new design for iPhone

The main attraction of the new iOS 26 is undoubtedly liquid glass interface. The new UI brings a system-wide design language that provides the iPhone a smooth, translucent beauty. App icons, widgets, docks and system elements now facilitate glass -like texture with realistic reflections and micro lighting. Additionally, Apple has added a new all clear mode that makes the app icon completely transparent, offering a cleaner, more minimalist home screen.

But this update is not just about the look. Apple has rolled out smart facilities in the core apps. The camera app now has a cleaner, more intuitive interface, intensifying it to switch it between the mode. Message and Phone App have improved call screening, smarter hold options and better message management. Meanwhile, Apple Intelligence is getting powerful new capabilities that increase everyday tasks and later laying groundwork for the main Siri upgrades expected in the year.

In particular, the design is not limited to refresh iPhones. Apple is bringing this new liquid glass design language into iPados, Macos and even watches, so the entire Apple ecosystem feels more consistent and comfortable.

How to download iOS 26 public beta

Since it is still a beta version and Apple is actively testing it, the company recommends installing it only on secondary devices due to a possible bug. You should also support all your important data first, as the beta versions can sometimes crash and cause data loss.

Once your iPhone is backup and ready:

• Join Apple’s beta software program
• Open the safari on your iPhone and go to beta.apple.com.
• Sign in with your Apple ID and enroll in the program.
• Next, enable beta updates on your iPhone. Settings> General> Software Updates> Go to beta update.
• Select iOS 26 public beta from the list.
• Not to download and install iOS 26, return to Settings> General> Software updates and download and install.

Also, before you start the download, make sure your iPhone is connected to WiFi, at least 80 percent battery, and has been backup. The installation file can be quite large, so give a lot of time for the process.

iOS 26 supported iphones

With every major release, Apple has dropped support for some older equipment as the new OS requires more advanced hardware. This year, iOS 26 will not support iPhone XR or XS.

IOS 26 public beta is available:

• iPhone 11 series and new (including iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 series)
• iPhone SE (Second generation and later)

When expected the final version of iOS 26

The stable version of iOS 26 is expected to be aligned with the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025. Till then, public beta will receive regular updates as Apple collects feedback and fixes the bug.