The public beta version might be buggy so -- when the time comes -- downloading on a secondary device is recommended.

Apple announced in June that the release of iOS 26 would first appear as developer betas as usual, with the first public beta set for July. When it reaches general release it will be on the 2025 releases, iPhone 17 series, as well the iPhone 16 series and plenty of much earlier models.

– If you go ahead and install the iOS 26 public beta on your main device, then be sure to back up your phone’s data first. – Beta builds can have some privacy or security weaknesses, so try to avoid entering sensitive personal information while using it.

According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, Apple is prioritizing iOS 27 development with a focus on features tailored to the upcoming foldable device, which is reportedly set to debut next year. Despite the shift in priorities, Gurman says users shouldn’t worry about a lack of user interface innovation in iOS 27.

Apple will soon begin development of iOS 27 with a shift in emphasis as the company prepares its flagship software to accommodate the first

Learn how to downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 safely without losing data. Follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless transition.

Apple said iOS 26 public beta would be available in July, according to MacRumors, and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman posted last week that it would likely be released around today — on Wednesday, July 23. And today, in his Power On newsletter, Gurman said that "iOS 26 should go into the public beta phase this coming week."

Apple packed iOS 18 with new features and flashy upgrades, but not all of them are improvements. Some settings may sound useful in theory but end up creating more friction than convenience once you actually start using them.