Apple’s iOS 26 beta dropped at WWDC 2025, and it’s packed with bold changes you can test now. From a dazzling new look to AI that feels like magic, here’s how to dive into the beta and explore the top features shaking up your iPhone experience.
iOS 26 Beta Hits the Ground Running
Just a day after Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9, the iOS 26 developer beta is live, giving iPhone users a taste of what’s coming this fall. Unlike last year’s incremental iOS 18, this update—codenamed Flux—introduces a “Liquid Glass” design and AI tools that make your iPhone feel like a sci-fi gadget. Early testers are buzzing about the fluid animations and smarter Siri, but there’s more to uncover. Available for iPhone 11 and newer, the beta is a glimpse into Apple’s big plans for 2026. Want to try it? Here’s what’s stealing the spotlight.
5 Standout Features in iOS 26 Beta
Liquid Glass Interface: The home screen and apps like Notes and Weather glow with translucent, flowing visuals. Icons seem to float, and transitions feel alive—testers say it’s “like Vision Pro on your phone.” Customize your Lock Screen with new depth-effect wallpapers for a personal touch.
AI Visual Search: Apple Intelligence now lets you point your camera at anything—a menu, a landmark, or a product—and get instant info. Want to book a restaurant you see? Tap the screen, and Siri pulls up details with ChatGPT-powered insights, all processed on-device.
Revamped Control Center: Swipe down for a 3D, glass-like Control Center with drag-and-drop widgets. Testers love pinning shortcuts like “Low Power Mode” or “Focus” for one-tap access. It’s intuitive and looks stunning on OLED displays.
Messages with Flair: Group chats now show live typing bubbles for each person, and FaceTime adds real-time translations for calls with non-English speakers. Send handwritten iMessages that animate as you write—perfect for quick doodles.
Battery AI: iOS 26 learns your usage to stretch battery life, prioritizing power for apps you use most. Early tests on iPhone 15 Pro show up to 10% longer runtime, a big win for the slim iPhone 17 Air coming next year.
How to Get the iOS 26 Beta
Ready to explore? If you’re a developer, head to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates to download iOS 26. Non-developers can join the public beta in July via Apple’s Beta Software Program. Back up your iPhone first—some testers report glitches with third-party apps like banking or fitness trackers. Devices need an A13 chip or later, so iPhone XR and XS users are out of luck. Check compatibility in Settings > General > About.
What Testers Are Saying
The beta’s Liquid Glass design is a hit, with users posting screenshots of vibrant app layouts and smoother scrolling. But it’s not perfect: some report lag on older devices like the iPhone 12, and the new Camera app’s simplified controls frustrate pro photographers. Apple’s forums are alive with tips for tweaking settings, like disabling heavy animations for better performance. One tester raved, “It’s like my iPhone got a soul,” while another griped about battery drain during setup.
iOS 26 isn’t just a pretty face—it’s Apple doubling down on AI and design to compete with Android’s Gemini-powered features. The privacy-first approach, with most AI running on-device, sets it apart. Plus, the update syncs with iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26, creating a cohesive look across devices. With the full release slated for September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17, testing the beta now lets you stay ahead.
Also Read: Apple’s WWDC 2025 Kicks Off with iOS 26 and AI Upgrades