iOS 26 Public Beta Released: New Features and How to Install

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Key Takeaways:

Public Beta Release of iOS 26: Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 26, giving beta program members early access to new features ahead of the official launch.
How to Download iOS 26 Public Beta: Participants can install the beta by going to Settings → General → Software Update → Beta Updates and selecting iOS 26 Public Beta.
Design Changes and Visual Refresh: iOS 26 debuts the Liquid Glass interface with responsive icons, menus, and navigation that reflect light and movement dynamically.
New Features and App Improvements: Key additions include Apple Intelligence tools like Visual Intelligence and Live Translation, plus major updates to Safari, Phone, Messages, Apple Music, CarPlay, and the new Apple Games app.
Cautions for Beta Users: As a pre-release version, iOS 26 beta may have bugs or performance issues; it’s best not to install it on your main device.

Apple has finally released the first public beta of iOS 26. Members of Apple’s public beta program can now install and explore the next-generation software ahead of its official release.

As expected, the first public beta of iOS 26 includes all the features available in the fourth developer beta released earlier this week. A new fourth developer beta is also available for those enrolled in the developer program.

How to Download iOS 26 Public Beta

Downloading the iOS 26 public beta is simple if you’re already part of Apple’s beta software program:

Open Settings → General → Software Update.
Tap the Beta Updates, then select iOS 26 Public Beta.
Tap the Download and Install button once the iOS 26 Public Beta appears.

What’s New in iOS 26 Public Beta

Like the developer betas, the public beta update introduces the highly anticipated Liquid Glass interface, a refreshed visual style centered on transparency and movement. Icons, menus, and navigation bars now respond to light with gentle reflections and dynamic shifts. You’ll also notice pop-out menus, slimmer tab bars, and softer, rounded edges throughout the system.

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Some highlights of iOS 26 include:

Apple Intelligence Features

Visual Intelligence: Analyze and summarize screenshots.
Image Playground: Create AI-generated images with ChatGPT-style prompts.
Genmoji: Mix two or more emoji to generate custom creations.
Live Translation: Available in the Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps.
Wallet: Smarter alerts and enhanced order tracking.

UI and App Updates

Spatial Scene: Adds depth and dimension to 2D photos.
Safari: Refreshed navigation for easier browsing.
Phone app: Includes Call Screening and Hold Assist.
Messages app: Supports polls and fully customizable chat backgrounds.
Apple Music: New DJ-style AutoMix feature.
CarPlay: Overhauled interface with improved functionality.
Apple Games: A brand-new app for browsing and launching Apple Arcade titles.
Preview app: Now available on iPhone for the first time.

Ready to Dive In? iOS 26 Awaits

Although iOS 26 Public Beta is now available to everyone, please note that this is still a beta release. You may encounter bugs, glitches, or performance issues, and some features may be unstable. I recommend not installing it on your primary device.

Which iOS 26 feature are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

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