How to get iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 on your iPhone or iPad today

Apple’s next big software updates for iPhone and iPad (iOS 26 and iPadOS 26) are ready for the public to test. If you’re willing to live on the cutting edge, the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 betas let you explore new features months in advance; Just be prepared for occasional bugs or app crashes along the way.

Why launch now?

Installing the beta gives you access to upcoming features, from deeper Apple Intelligence integrations to the new Liquid Glass user interface, and allows you to provide feedback that shapes the final version.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know: device preparation, backup tips, enrollment steps, and safe exit strategies.

iOS 26 / iPadOS 26 Release History

• July 24: iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Public Beta 1 (Build: 23A5297m)

• July 24: Beta 4 Update for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Developers (Build: 23A5297m)

• July 22: iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Developer Beta 4 (Build: 23A5297i)

• July 7: iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Developer Beta 3 (Build: 23A5287g)

• June 23: iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Developer Beta 2 (Build: 23A5276f)

• June 13: iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 Update (Build: 23A5260u)

• June 9: iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Developer Beta 1 (Build: 23A5260n)

Requirements

• Compatible iPhone or iPad model.

• iOS/iPadOS 16.4 or later already installed.

• Apple ID signed in on the device.

• Optional but recommended: a secondary device; Beta versions can break critical apps like banking, work VPN, and even CarPlay.

Make a backup before continuing

Betas are unpredictable. Fortunately, it is possible to roll back to the latest stable version of iOS or iPadOS if necessary. But you’ll need to create a full backup to restore it if that ever happens. You can create a backup in iCloud or on your computer.

iCloud Backup

Backups to iCloud are encrypted and can be up to 12TB (or 14TB with Apple One Premier).

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.

2. Go to Settings » (Name) » iCloud » iCloud Backup.

3. Tap “Back up now.”

4. Once the backup is complete, turn off “Back up this iPhone” so that future beta versions don’t overwrite it.

Backup to Mac or PC

On a Mac, you can use Finder in macOS Catalina or later. On a Windows PC, you can use Apple devices, which require Windows 10 version 19045.0 or later.

1. Connect your device using a USB-C or Lightning cable.

2. If it’s not already set up, allow the iPhone or iPad to connect and trust the computer (follow the on-screen steps).

3. Select the iPhone or iPad model if it is not automatically visible.

4. Open the “General” tab.

5. Check the “Back up all data on your iPhone/iPad to this Mac/PC” option.

6. Optional: Check “Encrypt local backup” to save health, keychain, and home data, create a password, and save it securely so you can use the backup when needed.

7. Click “Back up now.”

8. Once the backup is complete, select “Manage Backups,” right-click the new entry and choose “Archive” so that future beta versions don’t overwrite it.

Install the developer beta in Software Update

These instructions assume that you are already a registered developer in the Apple Developer Program running iOS 16.4 or later or iPadOS 16.4 or later on the target iPhone or iPad. (A free Apple Developer Program membership should be enough to access the beta.)

1. Go to Settings » General » Software Update » Beta Updates on your device.

2. If the Apple account that appears is not the one associated with the developer program, tap it to enter the correct one.

3. Choose the “iOS 26 Developer Beta” or “iPadOS 26 Developer Beta” option.

4. Return to the Software Update screen.

5. Tap “Update Now” to install the beta version when it becomes available.

Install the developer beta with an IPSW (Mac only)

If an over-the-air installation fails or your device is low on space, you can still install the latest beta on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Download the correct iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 restore image from developer.apple.com/download.

2. Connect your device using a USB-C or Lightning cable.

3. Find and select the iPhone or iPad in Finder.

4. On the General tab, click Option and click “Check for Updates”, then choose the .ipsw file.

5. Wait while macOS installs the firmware; Your device will reboot when finished.

Install the public beta

Public betas for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 were first available on July 24. These instructions assume that you are already running iOS 16.4 or later or iPadOS 16.4 or later on the target iPhone or iPad.

1. Enroll your Apple account in the Apple Beta software program if you haven’t already enrolled in previous beta installations (if you are, skip to step 3). Visit beta.apple.com, then tap “Sign Up” or “Sign In.”

2. Sign in with your Apple account, read the agreement, and tap “Accept.”

3. Go to Settings » General » Software Update » Beta Updates.

4. Make sure the correct Apple account (from the Apple Beta software program) appears at the bottom. Otherwise, tap it, select “Use a different Apple account,” and sign in. Changing your Apple account here will not affect other Apple services on the device.

5. Make sure iOS 26 Beta or iPadOS 26 Beta is selected.

6. Return to the Software Update screen to check if the beta version is ready to install.

7. Install the beta update like any normal software update.

As a beta tester, you can provide feedback to Apple on any software issues you experience, helping to make stable iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates as bug-free as possible. You can submit feedback through the Feedback Assistant app on your iPhone. The app is usually hidden in the stable iOS and iPadOS software, but is visible in a beta version. If you would like to attach a system diagnostic report with your comments to help Apple determine what caused the problem, use the volume buttons shortcut.

Update to new beta versions

Once signed up, future beta versions arrive automatically, but you can force them by going to Settings » General » Software Update. You will still need to select “iOS 26 Developer/Public Beta” or “iPadOS 26 Developer/Public Beta” in the “Beta Updates” section.

Unsubscribe or downgrade

To stop receiving beta versions, go to Settings » General » Software Update » Beta Updates and choose “Off”. When the next available stable iOS or iPadOS update is released, you’ll be able to switch to that. To roll back to the latest stable version immediately:

1. Connect your device using a USB-C or Lightning cable.

2. Find and select the iPhone or iPad in Finder or Apple Devices.

3. Click “Restore iPhone” or “Restore iPad” on the General tab.

4. Choose the archived backup file.

5. Click “Restore” and wait until it finishes.

6. If you have a password set for backup, enter it to continue.

Please note that Apple Watch cannot be downgraded once updated to watchOS 26 beta.

Feedback and bug reports

• Comment Assistant appears in beta versions. Use it to log errors the moment you find one; helps Apple fix issues before public release.

• Test flight lets you beta test third-party apps built for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26; Developers can invite up to 10,000 testers per build.

Confidentiality alert

Apple treats public betas as confidential software: Avoid posting screenshots or feature details until Apple makes them public in release notes or marketing materials. Check the FAQ here for the fine print.

Keep in mind

Running a beta is fun and often surprisingly stable, but crashes, battery drain, and app incompatibilities are common. Always keep an archived backup, update only when you have time to troubleshoot, and never install beta versions on mission-critical devices. That said, early access means you’ll master the new features long before everyone else, and your feedback can shape the final release this fall.

Gadget Hacks cover photo.