Upgrade your iPhone with the Liquid Glass appearance for no cost by downloading iOS version 26 and carrying out the update
Apple has recently unveiled the public beta for iOS 26, bringing a significant overhaul to iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Mac devices. Here's a guide to help you download the iOS 26 Public Beta on your Apple devices.
iPhone and iPad
- Enroll in Apple Beta Software Program:
- Visit beta.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID to enroll your device in the beta program.
- Enable Beta Updates:
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Public Beta (or iPadOS 26 Public Beta for iPads).
- Download and Install:
- Return to Software Update, wait for the iOS 26 / iPadOS 26 beta to appear.
- Tap Update Now (or Update Tonight to delay installation).
- Enter your passcode when prompted. The large download size (9–17 GB depending on device and source) may require freeing up storage space and a Wi-Fi connection.
- Additional Tips:
- Connect your device to power during download and installation to avoid battery issues.
- Backup your device before installation to prevent data loss.
- Note that older devices such as iPhone XS and XR may not be supported for this update, while newer models like iPhone 15/16 series are compatible.
Apple Watch
- To install watchOS beta, you usually must be enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program on an iPhone paired with the watch.
- Update your iPhone first with iOS 26 Public Beta.
- On the paired iPhone, open the Watch app > General > Software Update.
- If available, you will find the watchOS public beta option there to download and install (specific watchOS 17 or 18 beta would correspond to the watch and iOS version timing; the search results do not detail the specific watchOS 26 beta, so check Apple’s beta site for exact watchOS 26 instructions).
Mac (macOS Tahoe 26)
- Visit beta.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Download and install the macOS Public Beta Access Utility.
- Go to System Settings > Software Update on your Mac.
- Select and install the macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta if available.
Apple TV
- Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program on your Apple ID.
- On Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Software Updates.
- Check for updates and opt into the beta if available.
- Install the tvOS public beta accordingly (advanced or developer beta profiles may be required, check Apple's beta program site for exact instructions, as steps for Apple TV's tvOS 26 beta were not explicitly covered in the search results).
Summary Table for iOS 26 Public Beta Installation
| Device | Steps Summary | Notes | |---------------|------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | iPhone | Enroll → Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates → Select iOS 26 → Update Now | Backup advised, large file, Wi-Fi required | | iPad | Same as iPhone but select iPadOS 26 Public Beta | Backup recommended | | Apple Watch | Update iPhone with iOS 26 → Watch app > General > Software Update (if beta available) | WatchOS beta enrollment usually required | | Mac | Enroll → Download Beta Utility → System Settings > Software Update → Install macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta | Check official site for macOS beta tool | | Apple TV | Enroll → Settings > System > Software Updates → Install if Public Beta available | Beta profiles may be needed |
Remember to back up all devices before installing beta software, as these versions can contain bugs or stability issues. It is recommended to download the iOS 26 Public Beta over a Wi-fi connection to avoid data usage. The new design in iOS 26 features floating translucent buttons and boxes. These Public Beta versions may contain bugs or issues with third-party apps.
If you're not confident or are updating your main device, it might be worth waiting a couple of weeks before downloading the update. iOS 26 is the first major redesign of Apple's iOS system since 2013. The Public Betas are available for download on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV.
For more detailed instructions on watchOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and tvOS 26 Public Betas, please refer to Apple’s official Beta Software Program page. iPad and Mac users gain similar new features with more synchronicity between the two platforms in iOS 26. Regular updates to the iOS 26 Public Beta are expected over the coming weeks.
To access the Apple Intelligence features, you will need an iPhone 16 series phone or an iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max model. Apple has released Public Beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26.
- For iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Public Betas on your smartphones and tablets:
- Enroll the device in the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
- Download and install the beta after selecting it from Settings > General > Software Update.
- For the Apple Watch Beta:
- Update your paired iPhone first to the iOS 26 Public Beta.
- Then, on the Watch app > General > Software Update, download and install the corresponding watchOS beta.