How to download the iOS 26 public beta — follow these steps
If you're mulling over a download of the iOS 26 public beta, keep in mind that this is unfinished software. Some features aren't fully available yet, and others might be buggy. There's also a chance that installing the beta may impact the battery life of your iPhone. Basically, Apple is putting out this beta now to solicit feedback on the new release and fine tune it ahead of the full launch in the fall.
Once you've accepted that fact, you're ready to proceed — provided you've got a compatible phone. iOS 26 requires an iPhone 11 or later, and it will also work on the 2020 and 2022 models of the iPhone SE. Essentially, the only iOS 18-compatible phones that are on the outside looking in are the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Those phones all arrived in 2018.
With those formalities out of the way, here's how to download the iOS 26 beta — right after you've backed up your iPhone, of course. (Keeping an archived backup allows you to go back to the old iOS version should the beta prove too unstable for your liking.)
Grab the iPhone that you're planning to use with iOS 26, and launch your browser app of choice. Head to Apple's beta site and enroll in the beta program using your Apple ID and password. From there, tap on the Enroll Your iOS Device bar and follow Apple's instructions to turn on beta updates on your iPhone.
You can skip this step if you're already enrolled in the program.
Launch the Settings app on your phone. Select General then Software Update.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
This step may not appear, but if you don't see the iOS 26 public beta as an option, tap Beta Updates and select the public beta from the dropdown list. Then select Back in the upper left corner.
iOS 26 public beta will appear, and you can tap Update Now to install right away. (Update Tonight will install the beta at a later time.) You'll be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm, and then the beta will start downloading. When it's done, tap Install to install iOS 26 public beta right away.
iOS 26 is a big update — 9.02GB, according to my phone, though file size can vary. You may need to clear up space on your iPhone to get the beta to download — for example, I had to free up 19GB of space for the public beta download to start.
Wondering what awaits you once the software is installed? Check out my iOS 26 public beta first look for a guide to what's new.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Score Up to $136 Off These High-Spec Apple Mac Mini Desktop Computers Today
Apple is responsible for some of the best laptops around, but not everyone needs a portable computer. If you're someone who works at a desk all the time, a Mac Mini might be a better option. It's small and powerful, and it's considerably cheaper than buying a MacBook. Even better, Amazon is now offering some of the more powerful models with up to $136 off. We don't know how long these special prices will last, so we suggest ordering your new Mac Mini sooner rather than later. You don't need to enter any codes or clip any coupons, so ordering is quick and easy. Apple Mac Mini (24GB, 512GB): $1,263 (Original price: $1,399) See at Amazon The biggest discount is available on a Mac Mini with the M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This machine comes with a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, so plenty of power for gamers and creatives alike. This machine normally sells for around $1,399, but you can get yours today for just $1,263. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Alternatively, you can choose the M4 Mac Mini with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This machine normally retails for around $999, but it's now available for $906 as part of this sale. Both of these Mac Minis are small enough to take up almost no space on your desk. That makes them a solid option for anyone with limited space, but who still requires plenty of power from their computer. Looking to spend as little as possible? The entry-level Mac Mini with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is available for just $548 -- a 9% discount compared to the original $599 price. Why this deal matters The Mac Mini is an oft-forgotten machine but it is often the best option for a ton of people. It's fast, small and quiet. These machines are more capable than most, and at this price now is the perfect time to pick one up.
CNBC
2 hours ago
- CNBC
'Superman,' 'F1' both cross $500 million at the global box office
Warner Bros. Discovery had a bountiful weekend at the global box office. The studio had two films cross the $500 million mark worldwide — "Superman" soared to $502 million and Apple's "F1," which Warner Bros. distributed, topped $509 million in ticket sales. The benchmark is a boon for Warner Bros.' DC Studios, as "Superman" is the first theatrical debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran since they became co-heads of the film and TV unit in late 2022. The pair has developed a 10-year plan to reinvigorate the studio's franchises across TV and film, including fresh spins on Superman and Batman. At present, 2025's "Superman" is the fourth-highest-grossing film featuring Superman. Zack Snyder's 2016 "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" is the highest with $874 million in global ticket sales, while 2013's "Man of Steel" is second-highest with $669 million and 2017's "Justice League" with $661 million, according to data from Comscore. "Superman" debuted in theaters just two weeks ago and continues to drive weekend moviegoing as well as weekday trips. As for Apple's "F1," passing the $500 million mark is just another feather in the cap for the studio. Earlier this month, the film became Apple's best film release ever, surpassing Ridley Scott's "Napoleon," which generated $221 million during its 2023 run, to become Apple's then-highest-grossing theatrical release. The tech company has only sent a handful of films to cinemas with wide releases since delving into the media business in recent years. "Killers of the Flower Moon" tallied $158 million worldwide, "Fly Me to the Moon" took in just $42 million and "Argylle" generated $96 million in ticket sales globally. "F1" has benefited greatly from its partnership with IMAX. Before production, Apple and the film's top creatives reached out to not only secure the use of IMAX's camera technology but also a three-week release in its theaters.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Apple (AAPL) Stock Gets $245 Price Target Ahead of Earnings — Here's Why
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the . On July 23, Monness, Crespi, Hardt & Co. reiterated the stock as 'Buy' with a $245 price target. Monness said that Apple remains well-positioned ahead of earnings on July 31. 'In our view, Apple is innovating with industry-leading products supported by a powerful digital grid and embarking on a gen AI journey with Apple Intelligence; however, regulatory headwinds persist, the implications of this trade war are unclear, geopolitical risks continue, and the macro treacherous.' Apple is a technology company known for its consumer electronics, software, and services. While we acknowledge the potential of AAPL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None.
