How to Install iOS 26 Developer Beta on Your iPhone

Feeling lucky? You can now roll the dice and install the iOS 26 Developer Beta on your iPhone. The Keynote has wrapped up, and Apple has made the Liquid Glass shine even brighter (virtual Windex, anyone?). So, if you’re eager to be the first in your group to try iOS 26, the Developer Beta is now available. But before you dive in, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Running a beta version of iOS comes with its own set of risks. Some apps and features you use daily might not function properly, battery life could take a hit, and, in the worst-case scenario, the update could render your iPhone useless. Generally, the first beta release of a new OS version is the most problematic, so proceed with caution.

If you’re still itching to try iOS 26, it’s available for iPhones starting from the iPhone 11 all the way to the iPhone 16 series. The best part? Apple has waived the usual $99 developer fee, so you can install the Developer Beta without any additional cost. The public beta will be out next month, but if you want to get ahead of the game, this is your chance.

As the Developer Beta is mainly for app developers to test their software, expect it to be more buggy and less stable than the upcoming Public Beta. Be sure to back up your device before installing it! This ensures that, in case anything goes wrong, your data remains safe.

To install the iOS 26 Developer Beta, follow these steps: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. At the top of the page, tap Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Developer Beta. Once selected, a checkmark will appear. Go back to Settings > General > Software Update, and you should now see the prompt to install the beta. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If you’re installing a beta version for the first time, you’ll need to register with the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com. If you’ve registered before, you can skip this step and go straight to the beta installation steps mentioned earlier.