How to Get iOS 26 Developer Beta on Your iPhone

iOS 26 developer is available now – but not for you, assuming you have the current version. That also means it’s not done or, for that matter, stable.

Indeed, this beta is designed for developers—hint, it’s in the name. So, if you’re looking for something more stable, we recommend waiting for the final release (which should come alongside the iPhone 17 series in September) or at least for one of the later betas.

However, if you’re particularly desperate to download iOS 26 ahead of time, you can still do so, even if you’re not a developer.

In the past, when Apple announced a significant new update to its operating systems, it would only make that update available as a downloadable beta to paying subscribers to Apple’s Developer Program, which runs $99 a year. Public betas would not have been made available to users signed up to Apple’s Public Beta Software Program until a few days or weeks after beta for developers was made available. That’s all that changed in 2023; However, these days iPhone customers do not need to wait for a public beta to try out new things.

In fact, anyone visiting Apple’s developer account website and signing in with their Apple Account credentials can gain access to the developer beta releases, even if they are not a paying member of Apple’s Developer Program. This also means that anyone with an Apple Account can now download and install the new iOS 26, iPad OS 26, and macOS Tahoe betas ahead of the public betas going live. 

The people think that only the developer with a $99/year Apple Developer account buys and uses the program. However, it is not a valid statement for now; anyone who has an Apple ID can use the Apple beta program. But first, always check if your device is ready to set up and install the iOS 26 Developer beta.

iOS 26 supported the iPhone 11 and above versions. Here is the list: 

• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Backup is necessary to avoid the loss of private information

First and foremost, before getting beta, you need to back up your iOS devices. Using the following methods, you can successfully retrieve your data.  Otherwise, you cannot revert to your previous iOS versions if a mishap occurs. Follow these steps: 

• Connect your iPhone to your Mac device through a cable.
• From the dialogue box, permit the accessory to connect by pressing the Allow button.
• Click on the Finder window.
• Select the iOS devices that you connect to from the side menu.
• The trust option will appear if you first connect your iPhone to your Mac.
• Press Enter your passcode and click confirm.
• On the general tab, click the bullet point “Backup your iPad data on this Mac”
• If you want to encrypt data, select it from the list below and add your password to retrieve it.
• If you want to skip it, go ahead and choose the option of “Backup Now”.

After successfully retrieving your data, you can check the latest update with time and date! Simply Go to the Finder on Mac. At the top, you see the “Manage Backup” option. There, you can see the backup histories.

Here are the step-by-step guidelines for installing the iOS 26 beta program on your devices if you have already enrolled in the Apple beta software program. OR in recent versions comes with the contact of public betas, so you can skip to step 6. If not, follow the complete steps!

Step1:

Go to Safari and visit  developer.apple.com.

Step 2:

On the top left of the page, tap the menu icon, then tap Account.

Step 3:

Type and submit your Apple ID in the “Sign in to Apple Developer” field using the arrow buttons, then type the two-factor authentication code sent to your Apple devices.)

Step 4:

Click on the top-left menu icon and then tap on Account.

Step 5:

Scroll down the end of the page, check off the Apple Developer Agreement, read it carefully and click I Agree. You’ll be taken to a payment screen next, but don’t worry – you can close your browser at this point and it won’t cost you anything.

Step 6:

Open Settings> General> Software Update to check to see if your iPhone is currently running iOS 16.4 or later. If that’s the case, and you just appeared to have gone through steps one through five to set up a developer account, then the next step is to restart your iPhone. If it is not, download and install the update on your device, and then wait for it to restart on its own.

Step 7:

Now return to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update.

Step 8:

Tap Beta Updates. If you don’t have the option, turn off Download iOS Updates (Settings ➝ Automatic Updates ➝ Download iOS Updates), then tap Back. You should see it.

Step 9:

Click on iOS 26 Developer Beta from the list and click on Back.

Step 10:

Wait for the Software Update screen to see Apple’s servers. When the iOS 26 Developer Beta shows up, tap Download and Install and follow the instructions to download and install it.

• iOS 26 comes with a completely changed look. The eye Cathay is designed like a liquid glass, which means you can transparently see every activity, reflecting the background in a more realistic way. Making things seamless when you react to or touch screens, providing interactive and user-friendly experiences.
• The other crucial function is the upgraded artificial intelligence methods, which offer easy insights and detailed solutions to every query, whether conversational or in typed content. Tackle your calls and chat queries, like “What should I do in this matter?” Or get assistance with Photos, images, videos, etc.

• The best part is that all activities happen on your devices, not on the internet, becoming your safety is the top priority.

• iOS presents the list of your favourite calls and messages, checks your voicemails, and shows you on a single screen. You cannot go to the individual screens specifically.

• Your iOS devices detect unwanted calls and become your automated friends. They show you a summary of the calling person so you know whether to pick up the call or not.

• If you hold your call, you don’t need to sit there and wait for the call to return to connect. Holder Assist will instantly alert you when the hold is removed from the device.

• You can customize the background against each chat and create specific polls for group chats or single ones for voting.

• The Apple Cash program works in your inbox and sends messages when you transfer or receive money, just like PayPal.

• CarPlay: A sleek and smooth driving experience without any juggling.
• Apple Music: Translates every lyric for you and transitions it just like a DJ plays.
• Shattering the smarter and Shorter Map routes.
• A one-stop platform for gaming.

iOS 26 beta developers’ program is not just upgraded visualizations but a complete bundle of usability and customizations, whether you are finding the translucent ways to show messages and calls with the AI-driven techniques for everyday customer usage. It will be launched officially in September; however, if someone is more eager to use it, they can. The doors are open for them to enjoy the smooth journey of the iOS beta developer program.