Apple’s next-gen Public Betas may drop next week – iOS, macOS, watchOS included

Apple is gearing up to unveil public beta versions of its latest operating systems, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26, potentially as soon as next week, according to reports from MacRumors. Notably, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that this rollout could take place around Wednesday, July 23, aligning with Apple's established timeline for software updates, which typically sees public betas released shortly after the initial developer previews. This year's public beta program is expected to encompass a wide array of software updates. Users can look forward to testing iOS 26 for iPhones, iPadOS 26 for iPads, macOS 26 for Mac computers, tvOS 26 for Apple TV, watchOS 26 for Apple Watch, and HomePod Software 26. Additionally, AirPods are set to receive new firmware during this beta testing phase. However, Apple has clarified that it will not be releasing a public beta for visionOS 26, the operating system designed for the Vision Pro headset. This decision indicates that visionOS is still undergoing a more controlled testing process, likely due to the limited availability of Vision Pro units and the specialized nature of the platform. For those eager to experience the new software before its official launch, signing up for Apple’s Beta Software Program is free of charge. Participants will have the opportunity to download and install trial versions of the software on their devices. Users are strongly advised to back up their data, as beta releases can sometimes lead to bugs or performance challenges. Developers have had access to these beta versions for some time now, following a notable policy shift a few years back that allowed anyone with an Apple Developer account to access early software builds without the previously required $99 annual fee. However, it is generally recommended that the public wait for the more stable public beta releases instead of the initial developer versions.