Apple Rolls out iOS 26 Beta 1; Know How to Download and Install, Check Compatible iPhone List

iOS 26 will be offered as a free software update on compatible iPhone models later this year.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Manas Mitul | Updated: 10 June 2025 09:56 IST

Apple Rolls out iOS 26 Beta 1; Know How to Download and Install, Check Compatible iPhone List

Photo Credit: Apple

Apple's new Liquid Glass design language brings translucent elements across the UI

Highlights

Registered developers can download the iOS 26 Developer Beta update
Apple has dropped support for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max
An Apple Developer Account is required to install the beta firmware

Apple rolled out the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 update to registered developers on Monday, hours after its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 keynote. The update brings many of the new features previewed at the annual developer conference, including the new Liquid Glass design language which displays translucent elements throughout the UI across Apple's ecosystem of devices. There are more home and lock screen customisation options, updates to Camera and Photos apps, and new Apple Intelligence features in Messages and Phone apps. With the latest pre-release iOS 26 update, Apple has added even more features to the iPhone.

iOS 26 Beta Supported iPhones List

With iOS 26, Apple has dropped support for three iPhone models — iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. The OS update is now compatible with iPhone 11 and later models. However, the availability of Apple Intelligence features will be the same as before; limited to iPhone 15 Pro models and the entire iPhone 16 series including the recently launched iPhone 16e.

The full list of devices includes:

iPhone 16 Series
iPhone 15 Series
iPhone 14 Series
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone 13 Series
iPhone 12 Series
iPhone 11 Series
iPhone SE (2020)

How to Install iOS 26 Beta 1 in iPhone: Step by Step

Before installing the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 update, iPhone users should note that these are pre-release versions of OS updates meant for testing the latest features and apps for compatibility. While you may get a chance to try them out before the OS is rolled out widely, the update may contain bugs which may hamper the device's performance, battery life, or cause data loss.

Thus, Apple advises users to back up their data before installing the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1. With that out of the way, you'll require an Apple Developer account to be able to access the update. Here's how to get it:

Navigate to beta.apple.com.
Tap the Signup button and enter your Apple ID
Read the Terms & Conditions and tap the Accept button if you're willing to comply.

Once an Apple Developer account is created, you must sign in on the iPhone with the same account to receive the beta updates.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Select Beta Updates and choose the Developer Beta option

When a new update is available for the iPhone, it will show on the updates page as long as the Developer Beta update option is selected. You can simply toggle the option off to stop receiving them.

iPhone 16

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.10-inch

Processor Apple A18

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 8GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

OS iOS 18

Resolution 1179x2556 pixels

Apple iPhone 16e

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Light and compact design
Powerful Apple A18 SoC
Customisable Action Button
Good battery life

Bad
Low light camera performance is below average
Available in just two basic finishes
Large display notch with thick borders
60Hz refresh rate display
Slow wireless and wired charging

Read detailed Apple iPhone 16e review

iPhone 15

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Big upgrades over the 14
Excellent ergonomics, build quality
Very good all-round performance
Apple ecosystem benefits

Bad
Relatively slow charging
Expensive
Still a 60Hz display

Read detailed Apple iPhone 15 review

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Further reading: iOS 26, iOS 26 Compatibility, iOS 26 Features, Apple, iPhone, WWDC 2025, iOS 26 Developer Beta 1

Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence... more »