As expected, Apple has officially rolled out the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Developer Beta, giving early access to developers (or beta testers) who want to explore the new features. So, if you are willing to dig into the pre-released software to unlock the hidden gems or test the new features, this detailed guide is for you. On this very note, let’s get started!
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Compatible Devices
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Before moving any further, it would be apt to check the device compatibility to ensure you don’t run into an unexpected roadblock.
iOS 26 Compatible iPhone Models:
- iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
iPadOS 26 Compatible iPads:
- iPad Pro (all models from 2018 and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (7th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Prepare Before Installing iOS 26/iPadOS 26 Beta
- Back up your device using iCloud (Settings app > Apple ID banner > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or Finder/iTunes on a Mac or PC.
- Ensure your device is running iOS 16.4/iPadOS 16.4 or later to access the beta updates.
- Be sure to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and ensure your device has at least 50% battery.
How to Download and Install iOS 26/iPadOS 26 Beta
- Having taken care of the basics, head over to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- After that, tap General > Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates under the Software Update section.
- Choose iOS 26 Developer Beta or iPadOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Then, go back and wait for the iOS 26 Beta update to appear.
- Tap Download and Install once it becomes available.
- Enter your device passcode when prompted.
- Agree to Apple’s Terms and Conditions.
- Wait for the update to download and install. Your device will restart once installation is complete.
Important Notes
- You no longer need a developer profile to install beta updates as long as you sign in with an Apple ID registered in Apple’s Developer Program.
- If you encounter issues, you can downgrade to the latest stable iOS version using recovery mode via a Mac or PC.
- Beta versions are not final and can cause app crashes or unexpected behavior, so proceed with caution.
