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Apple released the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 update to registered developers on Monday, just hours after its WWDC 2025 keynote. The update includes many of the new features announced at the annual developer conference, such as the new Liquid Glass design language, which shows transparent components throughout the UI throughout Apple's device ecosystem. There are more choices for customizing the home and lock screens, changes to the Camera and Photos applications, and new Apple Intelligence capabilities in the Messages and Phone apps. Apple's latest pre-release iOS 26 update adds even more functionality to the iPhone.
iOS 26: Compatible Models With Developer Beta 1
Apple canceled support for three iPhone models with iOS 26: the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. The OS upgrade is now available for iPhone 11 and later devices. However, Apple Intelligence capabilities will remain confined to iPhone 15 Pro devices and the whole iPhone 16 range, including the recently released iPhone 16e.
The full list of devices includes:
- iPhone 16 Series
- iPhone 15 Series
- iPhone 14 Series
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13 Series
- iPhone 12 Series
- iPhone 11 Series
- iPhone SE (2020)
iOS 26: How to Install the Developer Beta 1
Before installing the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 update, iPhone owners should be aware that these are pre-release versions of OS upgrades designed to test the latest features and apps for compatibility. While you may get the opportunity to test them out before the OS is widely distributed, the update may have flaws that affect the device's performance, battery life, or data loss.
Apple thus urges consumers to save their data before installing iOS 26 Developer Beta 1. With that out of the way, you will need an Apple Developer account to obtain the update. Here's how you obtain it:
- Navigate to beta.apple.com.
- Tap the Signup button, then input your Apple ID.
- Read the Terms & Conditions and, if you agree, select the Accept button.
To receive beta updates, you must first register an Apple Developer account and then sign in to your iPhone using the same account.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Updates.
- Select Beta Updates and then the Developer Beta option.
When a new iPhone update is released, it will appear on the updates page as long as the Developer Beta update option is enabled. You may simply turn off the option to cease getting them.
