Upcoming Apple iOS 26: Compatibility with Your iPhone and Installation Procedures Explained
The public beta for the next generation of iPhone software, iOS 26, has been released. If you own an iPhone 11 or a newer model, you're in luck! This update is compatible with your device.
Here's a list of the iPhones that can run the iOS 26 public beta:
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 16 series (including iPhone 16e, 16 Plus, and 16 Pro)
This list includes the iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e, iPhone SE 2-generation, and iPhone SE 3-generation.
Before you dive into the update, it's essential to make an archived backup of your iPhone. Once you've done that, follow these steps:
- Visit beta.apple.com and sign up.
- Go to Software Update, which is under General in the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Click Beta Updates to choose the iOS 26 Public Beta.
Please note that the iOS 26 public beta download is a large file, approximately 17.4GB on an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Be patient while downloading, and ensure you have a stable internet connection.
The public beta may cause individual apps to not work properly, so it's not recommended for your main iPhone due to it being pre-final software. If you decide to install the public beta on a secondary device, remember that the list of compatible iPhones for iOS 26 will not change before the final release.
The final version of iOS 26 will be released in September, coinciding with the sale of new iPhones. Until then, enjoy testing the new features and improvements on your eligible device!
Gadgets such as the iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 16 series (including iPhone 16e, 16 Plus, and 16 Pro), iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e, iPhone SE 2-generation, and iPhone SE 3-generation fall under the category of smartphones, as they are all capable of running the new iOS 26. The update will be available for these devices through the public beta program organized by tech giant, Apple.
