Apple just wrapped up WWDC 25. They announced a complete overhaul of all their OS from iPhone to Macs. This year Apple has simplified the naming of their operating systems. So, this year all the operating systems from iOS to MacOS will jump to version 26. This isn’t just a normal tweak, but an overall massive generational leap. Apple also introduced their new glass like design all across with some truly smart AI upgrades.  Also Read: iOS 26 Release Date Revealed: Check Eligible iPhones, Launch Date, Features, And How To Update

Also Read: After Praising iPhone Air, Sam Altman Says ChatGPT Should Replace Siri

What’s New in iOS 26? 

Liquid Glass: A Design Revolution

iOS 26 has brought one of the biggest looks and feel changes with Liquid Glass. This new Liquid glass look is Apple’s new cohesive design language that’s spreading across all its devices. It’s a transparent, lens-like aesthetic that’s sleek and modern. It gives the devices more of a futuristic look.  Also Read: iOS 26 Magic? Firefox Rolling Out Shake To Summarize Feature For iPhone: How To Use It

Apple Intelligence and Smarter Communication

Communication just got a whole lot smoother on iOS 26 with Live Translation built right into Messages and FaceTime. This eliminates language barriers and helps users communicate without any issues. Along with this, the new Visual Intelligence features and additional Genmoji upgrades make the iPhone more useful and sprinkle AI capabilities across its new operating system. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and iOS 26 is the biggest OS update, bringing enhancements and new features to pretty much every corner of your iPhone. If you want to try out these incredible new capabilities, you absolutely can as the beta for the new iOS 26 is out now. 

Does YOUR iPhone Make the Cut for iOS 26?

All users rocking an iPhone 11 or newer can experience this new beta upgrade. That means the iPhone XR/XS generation is out, but every A13 Bionic handset and forward, including the forthcoming iPhone 17 models, are included in this epic upgrade.

Here’s the full compatibility list:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (second generation and later)
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 series (unannounced)

Quick note: Those super cool Apple Intelligence features only work on compatible phones. This means those who want the full AI experience would require the iPhone 16 model and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. 

Essential Steps to follow Before You Download

Before you get too hyped and start tapping that install button, a few crucial steps to make sure everything goes smoothly:

1. Check Your Hardware: Remember, this beta is available on iPhone 11 or newer. For Apple Intelligence, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or any iPhone 16 model.
2. Update to the Latest Stable OS: Make sure your phone is already on the most current stable iOS build (right now, that’s iOS 18.5). This helps avoid any weird glitches during the update process.
3. Strong Wi-Fi Connection: If you want this install to be flawless, then make sure to connect to some seriously good Wi-Fi.
4. Clear Some Space: You’ll need at least 15GB of free space on your phone to download the iOS 26 developer beta. 
5. Archive a Backup (Super Important): A regular iCloud backup can get overwritten. You need one that won’t.
   • On your Mac: Connect your iPhone, open Finder, select your device, hit Back Up Now > Manage Backups, right-click the new backup, and click Archive.
   • On Windows: Open iTunes, click Backup Now, find the backup in Preferences, and then archive it. 
6. Know Your Escape Hatch: In the unlikely event that the beta throws a wrench in your phone but if something goes wrong then, put your phone in Recovery Mode and restore to iOS 18.5. 

How to Install the iOS 26 Developer Beta on Your iPhone

Apple lets anyone install developer betas without shelling out that $99 annual fee. Here’s the super easy way to do it:

1. Sign Up for Apple Developer: On the iPhone you want to update, visit the Apple Developer site.
2. Log In: Open the hamburger menu, choose Account, and sign in with your Apple ID for that device.
3. Agree to Terms: Read through (or quickly scroll through!) and agree to the terms, tick any required boxes, and tap Submit.
4. Enable Developer Mode (if needed): You might also need to pop into Settings > Privacy & Security and enable Developer Mode.
5. After signing up for the Apple Developer program, head to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates on your device.
6. Select the iOS 26 Developer Beta.
7. Go back one screen and tap Download and Install under the new “iOS 26 Developer Beta” option that’s appeared.

On a good Wi-Fi connection, this download and reboot should take roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Once your iPhone powers back you’ll be rocking the super-fresh iOS 26 developer beta.