With just weeks to go before the iPhone 17 launch, Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 26, its upcoming and much-anticipated iPhone operating system. A standout feature is the new visual design called Liquid Glass, described as a translucent material that reflects and refracts surroundings for a futuristic look.
The update also includes revamped app icons, updated widgets, and floating tab bars in native apps like Music, News, and Podcasts that dynamically adjust during use. Announced at WWDC 2025, iOS 26 is now available for public testing, following several rounds of developer betas and is set to roll out officially alongside the iPhone 17 series.
Expressive. Delightful. But still instantly familiar.
Introducing our new software design with Liquid Glass. pic.twitter.com/8hA0q2aCTf
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 9, 2025
Apple’s iOS 26 public beta is now available for users eager to test the upcoming operating system before its official release. While developer betas are designed for app creators and advanced users, public betas cater to a broader audience, offering a relatively more stable version of iOS. The goal is to identify bugs, gather feedback, and fine-tune the experience before the final launch. Users can sign up via the Apple Beta Software Program with their Apple ID, and download the update through the Software Update section in Settings.
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The list of supported devices is extensive, covering iPhone SE (2nd gen and later), the iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 and 13 lineups, as well as all iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models—including their Pro and Plus variants. This wide compatibility ensures that a large portion of Apple’s user base can explore iOS 26’s new features ahead of time.
iOS 26: What’s New?
Among the most notable updates are redesigned native apps like Camera, Photos, and Safari. The Camera app now has a simplified interface; Photos splits your main gallery and curated collections into separate tabs; and Safari enables full-screen browsing. Additionally, apps like Apple Music and News now feature floating, auto-hiding tab bars for a more immersive experience.
iOS 26 Public Beta Lockscreen pic.twitter.com/KBVXwCtRVB
— Moetapele (@_thabang_m) July 24, 2025
iOS 26 also taps into on-device Apple Intelligence to introduce powerful new tools while maintaining user privacy. These include live translation for Messages, FaceTime, and Phone; smart screen interactions via Visual Intelligence; and generative AI features like Genmoji and Image Playground. Users can generate custom emojis, create images from words, and even interact with on-screen content using AI without sharing data with the cloud.
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