Learn how to set up the iOS 26 publ...

The most recent model of iOS will arrive formally this fall, however you don’t want to attend to start out testing the software program in your iPhone, due to Apple’s public beta rollout. Right here’s all the things you’ll want to find out about establishing the iOS 26 beta, together with the respective betas for iPadOS 26 and watchOS 26, which Apple additionally revealed in its WWDC 2025 keynote.

Earlier than we get began:, no, you haven’t by chance slept via eight variations of main Apple OS updates. In case you missed the news, to any extent further all the firm’s varied working techniques will likely be named after years to maintain all the things aligned and straightforward to observe. So quite than iOS 19, we’re getting iOS 26 this yr, which refers back to the yr after every replace rolls out. Presumably that’s as a result of we’ll be utilizing it for longer in 2026 than what’s going to stay of this yr as soon as the complete model is within the wild.

It’s additionally necessary to take into account that any beta is software program in a pre-release state, that means it is extra doubtless you’ll encounter bugs, crashes and different points with apps and on the whole use, which Apple and third-party builders will try to repair earlier than the ultimate model rolls out to customers worldwide.

Set up any beta at your personal threat and think twice earlier than doing so with the system you employ daily. It’s additionally crucial that you simply again up any system you wish to take a look at software program on earlier than you obtain it.

iOS 26 supported units

iOS 26 is supported on a wide range of iPhones – however not all of them. You’ll want one of many following fashions:

In case your iPhone isn’t listed above, that most likely means it’s too outdated to run iOS 26, so that you’ll must improve to one of many listed fashions.

Learn how to set up the iOS 26 beta

Putting in betas was a fiddly course of, but it surely’s very simple as of late. If it’s your first time putting in an iOS public beta, you’ll must first go to the Apple Beta Software Program web site and enroll utilizing your Apple credentials.

After that, navigate to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace in your suitable iPhone, and select “iOS 26 public beta”. It is best to then see the choice to obtain and set up the beta software program.

iPadOS 26 supported units

Listed below are the supported fashions for the iPadOS 26 beta

• iPad Professional (M4)

• iPad Professional 12.9-inch (third technology or later)

• iPad Professional 11-inch (1st technology and later)

• iPad Air (M3)

• iPad Air (M2)

• iPad Air (third technology and later)

• iPad (A16)

• iPad (eighth technology and later)

• iPad Mini (A17 Professional)

• iPad Mini (fifth technology and later)

Learn how to set up the iPadOS 26 public beta

Like with iOS above, you’ll must first go to the Apple Beta Software Program web site and enroll utilizing your Apple credentials for those who’ve by no means taken half in a single earlier than.

After that, navigate to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace in your supported iPad, and select “iPadOS 26 public beta”. It is best to then see the choice to obtain and set up the beta software program within the Software program Replace display screen.

watchOS beta: Use warning

Whereas Apple Watch customers may take part in beta applications in the identical manner as iOS and iPadOS testers, doing so carries larger threat. That’s as a result of for those who’re not having fun with the expertise and determine you wish to downgrade to watchOS 11, properly, you possibly can’t. Apple doesn’t enable it. And for those who downgrade your watch’s paired iPhone to iOS 18, your Apple Watch gained’t work appropriately together with your cellphone till it’s again on the brand new software program model. You possibly can, nevertheless, depart your Apple Watch on watchOS 11 when your cellphone is on the iOS 26 beta.

Be extraordinarily certain, then, that you simply’re comfy with the potential for ready it out for just a few months with an Apple Watch plagued with points earlier than downloading the watchOS 26 beta. For most individuals, it doubtless isn’t well worth the problem.

watchOS 26 supported units

You’ll want one in all these fashions to run the watchOS 26 beta

Learn how to set up the watchOS 26 public beta

Should you’ve assessed the dangers on your Apple Watch and nonetheless select to put in the watchOS 26 beta, you’ll first must have already up to date your paired iPhone to the iOS 26 beta (see above).

After that, be sure your Apple Watch is paired to your iOS 26-running iPhone and open the Watch app in your iPhone. Then, navigate to Normal > Software program Replace, and select the watchOS 26 public beta. After doing that, you must be capable of obtain the beta software program.