Apple has launched the latest iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 update just after announcing the new software at the WWDC 2025 developers conference in Cupertino. The update surpasses the iOS 18 updates launched last year and sets a benchmark after Apple dropped its incremental version numbers to align with the upcoming year. The major change in iOS 26 is the renovation of the design language through the launch of Liquid Glass. This is a major UI shift on iPhones since iOS 7.
Possibly, Apple will introduce iOS 26 Developer Betas to offer time to the app developers to optimise their apps before launching the software officially. However, as this is an early developer beta, several of the latest announced features and changes could not be found. Hence, the OS may appear unstable or incomplete.
Apple suggests installing Developer Betas on a secondary testing device to prevent any personal data theft. A public iOS 26 Beta is expected to be available from next month and could be more stable relative to the previous ones.
Key Features of iOS 26 Beta 1
After the launch of this public beta, you can explore the following features:
All-new Design
Apple has released its latest design with Liquid Glass UI. This is a massive change from the previous design language of iOS 18.
Messages App Improvements
With Image Playground, users can see messages and investigate unknown senders, develop polls, and produce unique backgrounds.
Apple Music
Togther with a renovated app, users can pin their favourite music on top o the library along with other significant changes.
ChatGPT Advancements
ChatGPT facilitates onscreen awareness for users to fuel Apple Intelligence.
Genmoji and Image Playgrounds Updates
Apple claims that iOS 26 Betal enhances these OG Apple intelligence feature since it has become feasible to mix emoji, Genmoji and descriptions to develop something new.
How to Download iOS 26 Beta 1?
To download iOS 26 beta 1, you need to become an app developer by participating in the company’s Developer Program. To do so, you need to go to the enrollment page or open the Apple Developer app and then open an account with an Apple ID.
Finally, enter your name and address to complete the enrollment procedure. Select your ‘entity type’ as individual and agree to the conditions. Now, you will be enrolled in the free tier of the developer programme. Most probably, there will be a link to make a payment for the developer program. However, if you do not pay for the free tier, it will still work for you.
Start with iOS 26 Beta by opening your iPhone and navigating to the settings. Go to the software update option and click ‘Beta Updates’. Now, you should click on iOS 26 Developer Beta and download the latest version.
Is iOS 26 Beta 1 for Everyone?
No, the update has arrived for iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series models. Hence, iPhone 14 and earlier versions will not be able to enjoy the update for their developer betas. To check this, following the general steps toward software updates. For this, you need to open settings, choose General, and then Software Update. You should be a registered developer for this. Previously, the build number was 23A526on, which has not become 23A526ou with the new update. In simple terms, this is a new build of the first beta.
As the version number is almost similar, it is anticipated that the new update will not include many changes in user-facing features. Most likely, Apple discovered a critical bug or security issue, or code that hinted at future products, and it was required to support a new build.
The new version is only available for iPhone 16 and 15 models. Thus, if you have an older iPhone model, you cannot install this update.
iOS 25 Beta- Smart Storage
Previously, if your iPhone’s storage was nearly full, it became a crucial issue when you tried to update. If your iPhone does not have sufficient space to install the update, the user may have to delete media or other applications to avoid a failed update error.
As claimed by WCCFTech, this could be a thing of the past. However, iOS 26 Beta allows iPhone to proactively deal with the issue by reserving some space before automatic updates are turned on in the Settings app.
It is still unknown how this dynamic reservation will function or how much will be automatically managed. However, it may comply with similar mechanisms in macOS. Nevertheless, the lessening of friction for updates can only be a good thing.
Final Thoughts
iOS 26 Beta 1 is all set to bring major changes to the design language with the launch of Liquid Glass. App Developers may get time to optimize their apps before launching he final software. To download iOS 26 Developer beta, you can enroll in the developer program. Follow the simple steps discussed above to enroll and enjoy the new updates and features.
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