As is tradition, Apple released beta versions of its new operating systems to developers on the first day of WWDC on June 9. That first beta release had all the major features Apple demonstrated in its WWDC keynote: Liquid Glass, the new Phone app and features, the new Camera and Photos experience, and more.
Subsequent released have focused on refining the interface, improving performance and quality, and squashing bugs. There are still plenty of unrefined areas, as you would expect with a major iOS update still weeks from release. Not everything is working as it should, so you might think twice about running the beta on a critical device.
You can read all about all the new features in our iOS 26 superguide and find out the latest information about the iOS beta including when it will launch and how to install it in a separate story.
Update August 5: The fifth beta of iOS 26 is now available. The developer beta is available today, and we expect the next public beta release within a day or so.
What’s new in the latest beta release
Here’s what’s new in the fifth beta of iOS 26:
- An option in Settings for “Classic Mode Switching” reverses the direction of camera mode switching in the Camera app, to act like previous iOS versions.
- Selecting items in the Mail app required tapping on the “…” button first, then choosing Select. Now, the Select button is visible at the top of the Mail app.
- There are several new “splash screens” when first opening apps, describing the new features in those apps as part of iOS 26.
iOS 26: How to install the public beta
The iOS 26 public beta test is expected to begin in July, but you can sign up now so you’re ready for it.
- Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the Beta Software Program.
- Click Enroll your iOS device.
- Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
- In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.
It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.
iOS 26: How to install the developer beta
You’ll need to be registered as an Apple developer, but a free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:
- Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
- Open the app.
- Tap on Account.
- Sign in using your usual Apple ID.
Find out everything you need to know about iOS 18 in our iOS 26 superguide.
