Apple has begun offering its public beta testing program members the chance to download and install iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 starting today. Individuals interested in accessing these public betas can register via Apple’s beta website. The initial public beta mirrors the content found in the fourth developer beta released earlier this week, although a new fourth beta is also available for developers.
Beta testers who have signed up can easily download the updates by navigating to the Settings app on their devices, selecting the General section, tapping on Software Update, and then choosing the iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 Public Beta options. The iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates introduce Apple’s Liquid Glass design, which emphasizes a modern aesthetic characterized by transparency. This design approach features icons, menu buttons, navigation bars, and other UI elements that reflect and refract light through subtle animations.
There are enhancements such as pop-out menus, minimized tab bars, and a more rounded overall appearance. These updates also incorporate new Apple Intelligence functionalities, including Visual Intelligence for screenshots, improved order tracking capabilities in the Wallet app, enhancements in Reminders, and Live Translation for Messages, Phone, and FaceTime. Users can enjoy the Image Playground with ChatGPT-style options and utilize Genmoji for creating unique emoji combinations.
Other notable features include a Spatial Scene that adds depth to 2D photos and updated navigation in Safari. The Phone app benefits from new Call Screening and Hold Assist functionalities. The Messages app now includes customizable backgrounds and polling options.
Additionally, Apple Music introduces a DJ-like AutoMix feature, CarPlay receives a redesigned interface, and for the first time, the Preview app is available on iPhones.