Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?
Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of supported devices with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is compatible with the new operating system, including the iPhone SE.
When will iOS 26 be released?
Apple is releasing the iOS 26 developer beta during WWDC 2025, and the public beta version will likely be released in July. If past years are any indication, the general release of iOS 26 will take place in September.
What to do before installing the iOS 26 developer beta?
You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind:
- Back up your device and personal information.
- Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPhone.
- Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iOS.
How do I install the iOS 26 public beta version?
You’ll need an iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 18, you’ll also need a model newer than the iPhone 11.
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings and select General.
- Go to Software Update in Settings.
- Enable Beta Updates. To enable Beta Updates, go to Beta Updates and select the iOS version you’d like to access. This setting is turned off by default on iPhones.
- Select iOS 26 Public Beta. Then you’ll begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 26. By the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions of iOS: iOS 26 public beta and iOS 26 developer beta. Once you do this, return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it.
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