iOS 26 will be offered as a free software update on compatible iPhone models later this year.
Apple's new Liquid Glass design language brings translucent elements across the UI
Photo Credit: Apple
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.
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:
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:
Once an Apple Developer account is created, you must sign in on the iPhone with the same account to receive the beta updates.
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.
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