Apple has finally released the first developer beta of its upcoming iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 update with a plethora of new additions and design changes. The latest betas arrive shortly after the company finished the WWDC keynote. If you are a developer, you can download and install the latest build right now on your compatible iPhone or iPad.
Apple releases iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta updates to developers - Download now
As mentioned, Apple has just released the first beta of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, which can be downloaded through the settings app of your supported device. If you are a developer, you can download and install the latest beta on your device by connecting your Apple ID to your Developer Account, which will allow the update to be available over the air. Here's what you have to do to download and install the updates.
As mentioned, the first thing that you have to do is link your Apple ID to your Developer Account, which is the only way Apple will know to send you the OTA. Once you do that, simply head over to your Settings app, navigate to General > Software Update > Beta Updates > and follow the on-screen instructions to download the beta update.
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are major updates, bringing a slew of new front-facing features to the table, including a brand-new glass-like look and feel based on visionOS. The company showed off a plethora of new features on stage, including the new Games app and on-device APIs for developers, which will allow them to work with large language models.
Today's beta builds are designed for developers and only for testing purposes. If you are a developer, we would recommend you to download the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta updates on a secondary device as the initial build will house an enormous amount of bugs which will hinder normal functionality of your device. The company has also seeded additional beta updates, which we will cover in a dedicated post, so be sure to stick around.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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