iOS 26 Public Beta Release Timeline Leaks, Could Arrive This Week: How To Download

Apple fans are eagerly awaiting the public beta release of iOS 26, the new version of operating system for iPhones. The tech giant unveiled iOS 26, succeeding iOS 18 and changing the naming scheme for future iOS releases, at last month’s WWDC 2025 event. While Apple didn’t announce a public beta release date, the developer beta updates have rolled out since then. According to journalist Mark Gurman, the iOS 26 Public Beta update release is just around the corner. The company is also said to be working on iOS 27.

iOS 26 Public Beta Release Timeline

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter mentioned the timeline for the iOS 26 Public Beta release. Addressing a question in the Q & A section of the newsletter, the journalist stated that iOS 26 will enter the public beta phase as early as this week. This suggests a delay in the public beta update. To recall, the first iOS 18 Public Beta released in mid-July in 2024. iOS 17 was also released around the same time in 2023.

Gurman says iOS 26 will bring a significant overhaul to the operating system. This will include a user interface (UI) change to Liquid Glass. This is resulting in quite a delay from Apple. The company is also expected to announce the rollout schedule of the fourth iOS 26 Developer Beta update and it should coincide with the public beta release timeline.

How to Download iOS 26 Public Beta Update

As soon as the iOS 26 Public Beta update releases, iPhone users will be able to download and install it by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.

iOS 27 Update Development

Gurman also shared that iOS 27 development is expected to kick off soon and will debut next year. While not much is known about the next update, it is said to come with features designed to improve the functionality of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is rumoured to launch next year.