Apple has launched the public beta testing program for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, allowing participants to download and install these updates starting today. Anyone interested in joining the public beta can sign up through Apple’s beta website.
The initial public beta matches the content of the fourth developer beta, which was released earlier this week, and there is also a new fourth beta available exclusively for developers. Registered beta testers can easily access the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates.
To do so, they need to open the Settings app, navigate to the General section, select Software Update, and choose the Public Beta options for either operating system. iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 showcase Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, characterized by a transparent visual aesthetic.
This design approach entails icons, menu buttons, and navigation bars that reflect and refract light through subtle animations. Features like pop-out menus and reduced tab bars contribute to a more rounded appearance across the user interface.
Significant new features have been introduced in this update, including Apple Intelligence enhancements such as Visual Intelligence for screenshots, updated order tracking within the Wallet app, and enhancements to Reminders. Live Translation is now available for Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps.
Users will also find Image Playground, which incorporates ChatGPT-style options, and Genmoji, which allows for the mixing of multiple emoji characters. Other notable updates include a Spatial Scene feature that provides a 3D effect for 2D photos, revamped navigation in Safari, and time-saving functionalities like Call Screening and Hold Assist in the Phone app.
The Messages app includes customizable backgrounds and polling features, while Apple Music introduces a DJ-like AutoMix. Additionally, CarPlay has received a new interface, a dedicated Apple Games app has been launched, and for the first time, Preview is now available for the iPhone.
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