iOS 26 Public Beta – Rollout Timeline, Eligible iPhones, and Exciting New Features

Apple is ready to open the doors for everyone to try iOS 26. According to reports from MacRumors and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the first public beta is expected to roll out this week. Apple had earlier confirmed a July release window, and now the wait is almost over.

If you have been curious about the next big update for your iPhone, here is everything you need to know about iOS 26, the supported devices, and the new features that make this update feel fresh and futuristic.

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When Is the iOS 26 Public Beta Coming

iOS 26 was first showcased at WWDC 2025 and has been in developer beta for a while. Apple is now set to release the public beta, giving users worldwide a chance to experience the new interface and features before the official launch later this year.

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Eligible iPhone Models

Not every iPhone will support the latest features, so here is the full list of devices that can install the iOS 26 public beta.

Apple Intelligence features are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.

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How to Download and Install iOS 26 Public Beta

Once the beta goes live, here is how you can try it:

1. Sign up at the Apple Beta Software Programme on the official Apple site.

2. On your iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update.

3. Tap Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Public Beta.

4. Return to the Software Update screen and wait for the beta to show up.

5. Agree to the terms and conditions and start the download.

6. Once the download is complete, the installation will begin automatically.

Tip: Back up your iPhone before installing to keep your data safe.

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What Is New in iOS 26

Apple has gone bold with iOS 26, introducing one of the biggest visual changes in years. The new Liquid Glass design gives the interface a fresh look with translucent layers, smoother animations, and redesigned app icons. Widgets on both the Home and Lock Screens are now more customizable than ever.

Core apps like Safari, Camera, and Photos have been polished with cleaner layouts and simpler navigation.

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Apple Intelligence Takes Center Stage

iOS 26 also brings deep AI integration called Apple Intelligence. It powers real‑time call translation in Phone and Messages, smarter suggestions across apps, and improved Visual Intelligence that understands context better. You can even create fun custom emojis with Genmoji or experiment with new image generation styles in Image Playground.

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Final Thoughts

The iOS 26 public beta is not just another update. It feels like a major step forward for the iPhone experience, blending a stunning new design with advanced AI features that make daily tasks smarter and more enjoyable.

If you own a supported iPhone and love exploring new tech before everyone else, the iOS 26 public beta is worth trying. Just back up your data and get ready to enjoy the future of iOS.