Apple releases iOS 26 Beta 7: Here are the big updates and how to install it on your iPhone

Apple has unveiled its newest beta releases for iOS 26, including Developer Beta 7 and Public Beta 4, now ready for download. These updates come just a week after the last beta rollout and primarily focus on fine-tuning existing features rather than introducing significant new ones. One of the standout enhancements is the reinstatement of blood oxygen monitoring for Apple Watch users in the U.S. This feature had been temporarily disabled due to a patent conflict with health tech firm Masimo, which affected SpO2 readings on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models sold in the country. Reports suggest that Apple has revamped the system to compute data via the paired iPhone, allowing users to view results in the Health app. Additionally, a new feature has been added to the battery settings: a toggle for Adaptive Power Notifications. This mode, first introduced with iOS 26, aims to prolong battery life by making performance adjustments like dimming the display and slowing down certain tasks. Users can now opt to receive notifications whenever this mode is activated. The Messages app has also seen improvements, including a Drafts filter in the “Filter by” menu, enabling users to easily access conversations that contain unsent messages. Alongside these updates, various minor interface refinements have been noted throughout the system. The latest update carries the build number 23A5326a. iOS 26 beta is compatible with a broad range of iPhones, from the iPhone 11 series to the latest iPhone 16 models. However, certain Apple Intelligence features will remain exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup. For those eager to explore the new features, joining the Apple Beta Software Programme is the first step. To install the beta version, users should back up their devices and proceed with the installation once the download is complete. The stable release of iOS 26 is anticipated to be available later this year as a free over-the-air update for supported devices.