Apple iOS 26: Cupertino giant unveils public beta; check details on how to view the latest Apple features

Apple has released the public beta of its iOS 26, through its Beta Software Program. This allows iPhone users to preview and test upcoming features on their devices ahead of the official fall launch. This also enables Apple to gather first responses and feedback from its beta users to get better data on the interface’s utilisation.

“The feedback you provide on quality and usability helps us identify issues, fix them, and make Apple software even better,” the company said on its website.

The latest iOS 26 is part of the ’26 overhauls of the Apple ecosystem across the board including its mac, iPad, watch and other devices, introducing a bold redesign, Apple Intelligence, and several new tools across apps and settings.

What is the Beta program? Who have the access and is it free?

The Apple Beta Software Program is a free program for all Apple users lets users try out pre-release software.

Anyone with a valid Apple Account can enrol in the program but, will have to accept a certain set of terms and conditions mentioned on the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement during the sign-up process.

“If you have an iCloud account, that is an Apple Account and we recommend you use that,” the company stated.

While the program is free, it comes with its own set of perils. One of which is losing your original settings and hence data. As a result, the company advises enrolled users to “back up their iPhone or iPad and your Mac using Time Machine before installing beta software.” Given data and purchases on other devices including Apple TV, HomePod mini, and HomePod (2nd generation) are saved on cloud, there remains no hassle of backing up for them.

Additionally, the company states that the users should install the beta version of the software only on their “non-production devices” that are not critical for daily business purposes.

“We strongly recommend installing on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac,” the company added.

The beta is available for iPhone 11 models and newer, including the second-generation iPhone SE and later. Users can access it by signing into Apple’s beta website with their Apple ID, enabling beta updates in Settings, and downloading the update from the Software Update section under General.

What is new with the OS 26 on your iPhone, iPad, mac, watch and other Apple devices?

This most comprehensive overhaul of the Apple ecosystem and UI/UX interface introduces a refreshed interface, deeper personalisation, and a suite of AI-powered tools under the new Apple Intelligence framework.

iOS 26 brings subtle yet significant improvements across the system. Core apps like Messages, Mail, Notes, and Reminders are getting smarter with on-device intelligence that offers proactive suggestions and automated organisation. Visual changes are anchored by the new Liquid Glass UI, which gives the system a fluid, translucent look across the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Centre, and more.

Apple has also introduced new accessibility features, such as enhanced Braille support, better Vehicle Motion Cues to reduce motion sickness, and more customizable reading settings.

The final iOS 26 is expected to launch with other OS revamps in September with the launch of iPhone 17 and next generation of Apple devices.