iOS 26 Public Beta is coming this week: Is your device eligible?

Apple is set to introduce the public beta of iOS 26 this week, with expectations for a release around July 23, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This rollout follows several developer testing phases since its initial announcement at WWDC 2025, allowing everyday users their first opportunity to experience the forthcoming mobile operating system ahead of its official launch in September, coinciding with the anticipated iPhone 17 release. As for device compatibility, iOS 26 will no longer support older models, including the iPhone XR and iPhone XS. The update will be compatible exclusively with the iPhone 11 series and newer models, which also encompasses the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE. Furthermore, advanced Apple Intelligence features will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and subsequent models, including the iPhone 16 series. If you’re currently using an iPhone XR or XS, this might be the perfect time to think about an upgrade. To join the iOS 26 public beta, users can enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program at no charge. The installation process is straightforward and accessible for those eager to dive into the new features. Among the most striking updates in iOS 26 is the introduction of a Liquid Glass design, which brings a fresh visual style with updated app icons, enhanced animations, and greater customization options for both Home and Lock screens. Apple has also improved layout designs across essential system applications like Photos, Camera, and Safari to enhance user navigation. Early developer feedback indicated some readability challenges, particularly within the Control Centre, but it appears that these have been addressed in the public beta version. Apple's focus on AI is also prominent in this update. The newly branded Apple Intelligence will provide users with real-time text and audio translation tools, more intuitive suggestions based on screen context, and integration with ChatGPT. In addition, several core applications are receiving significant enhancements. For example, in Messages, users can now personalize chat backgrounds, create polls, and see typing indicators in group chats, while unknown senders will be filtered into a separate folder for easier management. The Phone app has undergone a redesign to combine recent calls, favorites, and voicemail into a single view, along with new features like Call Screening and Hold Assist aimed at minimizing interruptions. Gamers will benefit from a new Apple Games app designed to help users explore and manage their gaming library. CarPlay is also seeing upgrades, such as pinned conversations, widget support, and a more compact call view. Other notable additions include a new Alt 1 ringtone and clearer notifications regarding Low Power Mode. Users will now receive explicit information about how this mode affects background activities, display refresh rates, processing speeds, and iCloud syncing, which will be temporarily limited to conserve battery life. While the public beta is generally more reliable than earlier developer previews, users are advised to back up their devices prior to installation, as some bugs may still persist.