• Source:JND

iOS26 Developer Beta: Just hours after Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote wrapped up, the tech giant has dropped the very first developer beta of iOS 26—and it’s a big one. iPhones are getting a fresh visual overhaul along with a wave of new AI-powered features. While this early version is intended for developers, regular users with a bit of tech know-how can also try it out. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to install it on your device.

What's New in iOS 26?

The standout change in iOS 26 is its Liquid Glass design—a sleek, transparent interface that gives apps and menus a more modern, polished feel. But it’s not just about looks. Apple has packed in some smart new features like:

  • Live translation for real-time language conversion
  • Smart call screening that filters spam and unknown calls
  • Hold assist in Messages and FaceTime, making conversations more seamless

Image Credits: Apple

And that’s just scratching the surface. We recently covered the top 7 features of iOS 26, but now let’s get into how you can actually install this beta version on your iPhone.

ALSO READ: Apple iOS 26 Is Here: Find Out If Your iPhone Made The Cut And What’s New

Step-by-Step Guide to Install iOS 26 Developer Beta

To get started, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

  • You’ll need an iPhone 11 or newer
  • Your phone must be running the latest iOS 18.5 version
  • Have at least 15 to 20 GB of free space for the update
  • Back up your device before proceeding, since this is a beta version and could be buggy

Here’s how to install the beta:

  • Visit the Apple Developer site: Go to developer.apple.com
  • Open the menu: Tap the two lines at the top-left corner
  • Select ‘Account’ and log in using your Apple ID
  • Find iOS 26 and tap ‘Enroll’
  • Your Apple ID is now registered for developer beta updates
  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update
  • Tap Beta Updates, and choose iOS 26 Developer Beta
  • Go back to the Software Update screen, and you’ll see the update available
  • Tap Download and Install, and the beta will begin installing on your device
  • A Few Things to Keep in Mind
  • This update only supports iPhone 11 and newer
  • It requires iOS 18.5 to be installed first
  • You’ll need 15GB or more of available storage

And most importantly: back up your data before updating—it’s a beta release, so expect bugs

ALSO READ: All You Need To Know From Apple’s WWDC25: iOS 26, Liquid Glass, macOS Tahoe And Vision Pro Spatial Gaming

So, if you're eager to get a taste of Apple’s next-gen iPhone experience and don’t mind living on the bleeding edge, installing iOS 26 could be a fun weekend project. Just make sure your phone is backed up and ready for the ride.