iOS 26 Developer Beta vs Public Beta: Comparison Explained
This guide compares iOS 26 developer beta and iOS 26 public beta to help you download the right one. Read on for details.
Apple has finally unveiled the new iOS - iOS 26, not iOS 19. We believe that many of you iOS enthusiasts can't wait to try it out.
As you might know, some people recommend installing the iOS 26 developer beta right away, while others suggest waiting for the public beta to be released. So, what is the difference between iOS 26 developer beta and iOS 26 public beta? Which one should you use? Don't worry, this guide is ready to help you. Read on!
What's New in iOS 26?
At the WWDC Developer Conference on June 9, 2025, Apple introduced a significant upgrade of iOS 26. This time, it focuses on a fresh design and powerful Apple Intelligence features and especially making some enhancements in interface design, communication features, entertainment, and so on.
- Inspired by VisionOS, the latest iOS 26 gets a new "Liquid Glass" look. It features transparent, glass-like widgets and rounder icon and menu corners. The layout achieves greater content emphasis and a new degree of controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and others.
- The lock screen interface supports 3D wallpapers, and the layout position of the time font will also be adjusted according to the background image.
- iOS 26 integrates live translation into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, so that users can enjoy real-time text and audio translations.
- The Visual Intelligence allows users to search and take action on anything visible on their iPhone screen. ChatGPT is also available to answer questions about the content.
- There are new features in the Message app, such as conversation backgrounds and group chat polls.
- Apple Music introduces New lyrics translation and pronunciation tools, as well as an AutoMix feature for seamless transitions between songs.
iOS 26 Developer Beta vs Public Beta: Which One to Update To?
The iOS 26 developer beta is available now, while the iOS 26 public beta is expected to be released in the mid of this July. You’re free to download either the iOS 26 developer beta or the public one, but first, you can figure out their differences and what you can do with each version.
| iOS 26 Developer Beta | iOS 26 Public Beta | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Released right after WWDC on June 9, 2025 | Expected a few weeks later, likely in mid-July |
| Stability | Less stable — may have more bugs, crashes, and performance issues | More stable — most major bugs are fixed before release |
| Who It's For | Mainly for developers and tech enthusiasts who can handle bugs and want to test app compatibility | For general users who want to try new features early without too many risks |
| Features | Might include unfinished features or developer tools that could be changed or removed later | More refined version — includes most features meant for public preview |
Is It Safe to Install iOS 26 Developer Beta Now?
Generally, it is not recommended to install the iOS 26 Developer Beta on your main device. This is because the developer beta is a pre-release version for testing, and it may have bugs, performance problems, and even cause data loss.
Thus, Apple recommends you not install it on your main device to prevent interruptions. If you decide to give it a try, it’s crucial to back up your device first.
What to Do if You Want to Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18?
iOS 26 may have let you down. Fortunately, you can downgrade it to the latest official iOS 18.5 using the handy iOS downgrade tool BuhoRepair.
After backing up your iPhone, follow these steps to downgrade your iPhone using BuhoRepair:
- Download and install BuhoRepair on your PC or Mac computer.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable.
- Launch BuhoRepair, click "Upgrade/Downgrade iOS".
- Click "Downgrade Version" and "Downgrade Now".
- Select the iOS version you want to revert to, then click "Load firmware".
- Follow the onscreen instructions to finish the downgrading process.
Last Words
Since iOS 26 developer beta is the first beta version at present, there may be many unexpected bugs. If you are not in a hurry to try iOS 26, you can wait for the public beta version of iOS 26, or even the official version expected to be released in September.
No matter which iOS 26 beta version you want to install, it is recommended that you create a backup for your device first to avoid the risk of data loss.
Robert is a tech-savvy fan who loves all things Apple. As a hobbyist of gardening and meditation, he is also a seasoned writer covering a wide array of Apple products, like iPhone, iPad, iOS, and more.
