Apple has finally unveiled its next major iOS release, iOS 26, at the WWDC 2025 event. Yes, it is called iOS 26 and not iOS 19. Not just the name, Apple has also revamped the UI which looks good in dark mode but not in light mode. The first developer beta of iOS 26 is now available for testing, which lets you experience the next major iOS release early.
The iOS 26 comes with a new UI called Liquid Glass, like Glassmorphism, along with various new features. These include cool new animations, visual search (similar to circle to search), new personalization tools, live translation in Phone and Messages, dynamic navigation and controls, new UI for Photos app, and many more.
Just like previous releases, iOS 26 also became available soon after the WWDC 2025 keynote. A few years ago, a developer account was required to get the developer beta, but that changed in 2023. So, anyone interested can now participate in the iOS 26 developer testing.
iOS 26 Developer Beta 1
iOS 26 may be a complete UI overhaul, but it’s the first beta update with the most bugs in iOS beta history. So keep that in mind when you sign up for the developer beta party.
Unfortunately, a few iPhone models have been removed from iOS 26 compatibility, so now we have a new eligible devices for the next major iOS release. If your device is on this list, you can enjoy the iOS 26 beta.
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
The first iOS 26 Developer beta comes with build number 23A5260n. When I downloaded the update, it was over 7GB in size, but the actual download size may vary depending on your device. No matter what device you have, this will be a big update, so make sure to download it over Wi-Fi.
If you’re an Apple fan and can’t wait to try the new iOS 26, you can easily get it on your device using the following steps. Make sure you are aware of the risks of using an early build before installing the update.
- Open Settings on your iOS 26-eligible iPhone.
- Navigate to General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Here, select iOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Go back to Software Update and you’ll have the iOS 26 update ready to download.
- Backup your data and then download and install the iOS 26 developer beta on your iPhone.
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