Apple Expected To Launch iOS 26 Soon: What We Know About Next iPhone Update
Tech giant Apple announced in June that iOS 26 would first appear as developer betas, followed by a public beta release. Now, reports suggest that the iOS public beta is likely to be rolled out this week.
According to Bloomberg’s technology journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to release the iOS public beta on July 23.
“All indications are that iOS 26 should go into the public beta phase this coming week. This typically happens by the middle of July, so the software is a bit later than usual. Given that iOS 26 is such a significant design overhaul, it makes sense that Apple would want to take a little extra time to get things right,” Gurman said in his latest Power On newsletter.
Earlier, Apple released 3 iOS 26 beta programs for developers. Apple previously stated that a public beta of iOS 26 would be available in July, but did not specify a particular timeline.
The iOS 26 public beta will be compatible with the 2025 releases, iPhone 17 series, iPhone 16 series, and some earlier models, according to reports.
Gurman notes that the public beta will likely be based on the fourth developer beta version, rather than the usual third developer beta. “It seems likely that this public beta will match up with the fourth developer beta version,” Gurman added.
This means that it will be based on a more stable release, provided Apple improves its beta software with each release. There have been changes to the Liquid Glass design, which is the main feature of iOS 26, so perhaps developer beta 4/public beta 1 will look more like the final version.
Last week, in a social media post, Gurman also revealed that the iOS 26 public beta is expected to be released on or around Wednesday, July 23.
Along with the iOS 26 public beta, Apple plans to release the first public betas of iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and HomePod software 26, as well as a public beta of its next major AirPods firmware upgrade. According to Apple's beta website, the company does not intend to release a public beta of VisionOS 26.
To get access to the public beta, users can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program for free. However, it is essential to back up your devices before installing beta software, as it may cause issues.
As per Gurman, Apple is already planning to kick off development of iOS 27, which is expected to prioritise software features tailored for the long-rumoured foldable iPhone. This device is anticipated to be launched in the second half of next year.
