Exciting news for Apple enthusiasts! The highly anticipated iOS 26 public beta is expected to roll out this week, according to reliable reports from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. This means you could soon get your hands on the next major iPhone software update, experiencing its new features and improvements before the official release. It’s your chance to play an active role in shaping the future of iOS.
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Three iPhones showcasing the new user interface and features of the upcoming iOS 26 update
When Can You Download the iOS 26 Public Beta?
Mark Gurman, a well-known authority on Apple product developments, stated in his Power On newsletter that “All indications are that iOS 26 should go into the public beta phase this coming week.” He previously hinted on social media that the release would likely be “on or around Wednesday, July 23.” This aligns perfectly with Apple’s prior announcement that a public beta for iOS 26 would be available in July, though they hadn’t provided a specific date until now.
More Than Just iPhone: A Suite of Updates
The iOS 26 public beta won’t be flying solo. Apple is expected to release a whole host of public betas alongside it, giving a sneak peek into the future of their entire ecosystem. Look out for:
- iPadOS 26: Bringing new capabilities and refinements to your iPad experience.
- macOS 26: The next big update for your Mac computers.
- tvOS 26: Enhancements for Apple TV.
- watchOS 26: New features for your Apple Watch.
- HomePod software 26: Updates for Apple’s smart speakers.
In a first for Apple, they are also planning to offer a public beta for their next major AirPods firmware update, allowing you to test new audio features and connectivity improvements. However, do note that a public beta for visionOS 26 is not planned at this time, according to Apple’s beta website. If you’re eager to learn more about the tablet update, check out our iPadOS 26 roundup.
How to Get Involved and What to Expect
Anyone can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program for free and gain access to these public betas. It’s an exciting opportunity to explore new features and provide feedback directly to Apple, helping them refine the software before its final launch.
A crucial piece of advice: While testing beta software is thrilling, it’s inherently less stable than a final release. We strongly recommend backing up your device before installing any beta software. This way, if you encounter any unexpected bugs or issues, your data remains safe.
For the most curious among us, developer betas for all these updates are already available. A few years ago, Apple made developer betas free to download, removing the $99 annual fee for an Apple Developer Program membership. You still need an Apple Developer account to access them. However, for most general users, waiting for the public beta is the recommended and safer approach. You can dive deeper into what’s already new in the developer beta.
Looking Ahead: The Future of iOS and Foldable iPhones
Beyond iOS 26, the first whispers of iOS 27 are already starting to emerge. According to Mark Gurman, Apple is set to kick off development for iOS 27 soon. The big takeaway here is Apple’s focus on software features tailored specifically for the long-rumored foldable iPhone. This highly anticipated device is expected to debut in the second half of next year, meaning iOS 27 could bring groundbreaking optimizations for flexible screens and new form factors.
Ready to Explore?
The arrival of the iOS 26 public beta is a significant step towards the next generation of Apple’s operating systems. It offers a unique opportunity to see and interact with the innovations Apple has been working on. Whether you’re excited about new features, improved performance, or simply curious about what’s next, backing up your device and signing up for the beta program could be your gateway to the future. What new features are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts!
