How to Download and Install iOS 26 Beta [Step-By-Step]

At the 2025 WWDC conference, Apple made a significant adjustment to the name of the iOS version. It skipped iOS 19 and directly upgraded to iOS 26. Not only has this change sparked a discussion about the logic of iOS versions, but it has also encouraged users to give it a try.

iOS 26 is expected to be released in September 2025. Nevertheless, you can currently try the beta version of iOS 26. The beta version will give you a sneak preview of upcoming apps, features, and technologies. In this article, we'll introduce how to download and install the iOS 26 developer beta and the iOS 26 public beta.

How to Download and Install iOS 26 Developer Beta

If you are a developer or technology enthusiast and have a standby iOS device, you can try installing the developer beta to experience new features earlier. Here is how to download and install the iOS 26 developer beta.

1. Go to the Apple Developer Program page and click "Enroll" > “Start your enrollment.”

   

2. Sign in with your Apple ID, and follow the instructions to enroll in the free tier of the Apple Developer program.
3. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
4. Tap "Beta Updates", select "iOS 26 Developer Beta", and tap "Software Update".

   

5. Click "Update Now" and follow the onscreen installation guides.

   

How to Download and Install iOS 26 Public Beta

The iOS 26 public beta is not available now. However, you can take the following steps to install it when it releases in the mid of this July.

1. Open Safari and navigate to the Apple Beta Software program page and sign in with your Apple ID.

   

2. Follow the instructions to enroll in the program.
3. Open Settings and tap General and Software Update.
4. Tap Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Public Beta.
5. Return to the “Software Update” interface and tap “Update Now” to get started.

Bonus: How to Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 with Ease

After upgrading to the iOS 26 developer beta, many users have complained that the interface doesn’t look great. The new “Liquid Glass” and dynamic design elements can cause visual distractions, especially when performing quick actions.

In addition, many users are concerned about stability. In some cases, the interface animations feel sluggish and unresponsive.

For these reasons, some users expect to downgrade iOS. That's where BuhoRepair comes into play. This easy-to-use iOS downgrade tool can help you easily revert your iOS system from iOS 26 to iOS 18. Here's how it works:

1. Download and install BuhoRepair on your PC or Mac.

2. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
3. Launch BuhoRepair and click "Upgrade/Downgrade iOS".

   

4. Click " Downgrade Version" > "Downgrade Now".

   

5. Select the iOS version you want to downgrade and click "Load Firmware".

   

6. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in Apple’s new updates in iOS 26, download and install iOS 26 developer beta now. While the iOS 26 developer beta is mainly open for developers to test features and provide feedback, you can also install it now.

However, iOS beta versions may always contain bugs or minor glitches. If you don’t like the beta version, you can use BuhoRepair to downgrade it to iOS 18.