iOS 26 Public Beta: Why Apple Users Are Eagerly Waiting
For the Apple community, experiencing the latest iOS beta is always a much-anticipated event. However, this year’s wait is longer than expected, as the iOS 26 public beta has yet to be released despite Apple’s initial announcement of a July launch.
Expected Release Date: July 23?
According to Bloomberg via veteran tech journalist Mark Gurman, Apple may officially release the iOS 26 public beta on July 23. This is supported by several trusted tech outlets like MacRumors and The Apple Post. If true, this would mark a noticeable delay compared to Apple’s usual annual schedule.
Why the Delay?
Despite Apple teasing a July release at WWDC in June, users are still unable to try iOS 26. Experts believe the delay may stem from Apple’s efforts to fine-tune Apple Intelligence features to better compete with AI-heavy Android updates.
What to Expect from iOS 26
iOS 26 promises major upgrades, including:
-
New “Liquid Glass” interface for smoother animations
-
Smarter Siri with enhanced contextual understanding
-
Stronger privacy tools
-
On-device AI processing for better performance
Unusual Development Timeline
Typically, Apple releases public beta versions about a week after the developer beta. However, despite Developer Beta 3 launching on July 7, no public beta has appeared yet. This unusual gap raises questions about the progress of iOS 26.
Next Developer Beta?
Based on Apple’s release cycle, Developer Beta 4 may be released shortly before the public beta, giving developers time to test and report bugs.
How to Install iOS 26 Public Beta
To install iOS 26 public beta upon release:
-
Visit https://beta.apple.com/
-
Log in with your Apple ID
-
Enroll your device
-
Download the beta profile
-
Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Note: Beta versions may contain bugs and should not be installed on your primary device.
Supported Devices
iOS 26 is expected to support iPhone 12 and newer. However, the latest AI features may only be available on the iPhone 15 series and above. This need for optimization may also explain the delayed release.
Conclusion
With a potential release on July 23, iOS 26 public beta is one of the most anticipated software updates this year. The delay may indicate Apple’s dedication to delivering stable AI features while ensuring smooth performance across devices. Apple users continue to eagerly await the chance to test these new improvements.