Apple’s iOS 26 public beta is out. Here’s how to install it safely

A stable “release” version of Apple’s iOS 26 is due in September, but you can now try an in-progress version, called the public beta. It previews a revamped interface and new features in apps like Messages and Phone (both with spam filtering), Camera, Wallet, and especially CarPlay. Models starting with the iPhone 15 Pro also get upgrades to the Apple Intelligence AI suite, including live translation, improved image creation, and the ability to search visually across apps. The translucent Liquid Glass interface is seeing a bit of a revival in areas such as Notification Center, after Apple toned it down in earlier betas. 

Is the iOS 26 public beta safe to install?

The public beta follows four developer betas meant for app creators (although others tend to install betas out of curiosity). Adding the word public doesn’t mean this beta is without risks. To get it, you have to accept an agreement that absolves Apple of responsibility for any problems it may cause. This includes bricking—rendering the phone inoperable.

It’s safest to test the public beta on a spare device, which Apple’s beta site strongly recommends. You can lower the risk to an old model or your current one by first backing up your iPhone and learning how to unbrick and roll it back to the latest release version of iOS 18. We’ll walk you through how to do that further down.

These tips may also help with glitches you may encounter in the release version.

How to get iOS 26 public beta

First, check whether your iPhone supports iOS 26. Apple’s list includes models back to 2019’s iPhone 11 and 2020’s SE (2nd generation), both using the A13 Bionic chip. If you have an iPhone X or earlier model, it may show an option to download iOS 26, but won’t let you.

Getting the beta is easy: Visit the Apple Beta site, click Sign Up, and log in with the same Apple ID your iPhone uses. Signing up provides access to all Apple OS 26 betas: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, plus HomePod software.

Does installing iOS 26 public beta void my warranty?

According to Apple’s FAQ, installing the beta won’t void your hardware warranty, although you will have to restore to a stable OS version before getting service.

Apple Beta Software Program login screen for signing in with Apple ID

But within the the roughly 5,500-word Apple Beta Software Agreement is the clause: “APPLE SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS, EXPENSES OR OTHER LIABILITIES YOU MAY INCUR . . . INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY DAMAGE TO ANY EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE OR DATA.” (Fast Company has asked Apple to clarify whether “equipment” would include the iPhone hardware and will update if we get an answer.)

The agreement does say that the company may provide support through its beta program, “at Apple’s option.” TL;DR: Don’t count on help, and take your own precautions.

How to back up your iPhone before installing iOS 26 public beta

Before you do anything, first back up your iPhone. The easiest way is online: Go to Settings, then click your name, iCloud > iCloud Backup. Apple provides 5GB of free storage. Paid tiers start at 50GB for $0.99 per month and 200GB for $2.99.

You can also back up to a computer over USB. In recent versions of macOS: Open Finder, click your iPhone in the left panel, then click Back Up Now. Windows or macOS Mojave (10.14) and earlier should use iTunes. (Yes, it’s still out there.) Click the Device button near the top left of the iTunes window, then Click Summary > Back Up Now.

Before installing iOS 26 public beta, note these backup options in your macOS Finder.

How to download and install iOS 26 public beta on your iPhone

Now comes the main event. On your iPhone, click Settings > General > Software Update. Click Beta Updates to see multiple options on the next screen, including Off and possibly betas for several versions of iOS. Click to place a check mark next to iOS 26 Public Beta. Then tap the back button and click Update Now.

iPhone screenshots showing how to select iOS 26 Public Beta from the Beta Updates menu

How to roll back from iOS 26 beta

In the event that iOS 26 does brick your phone, a new tool called Recovery Assistant may automatically activate, allowing you to monitor the process wirelessly from another Apple device.

If Recovery Assistant doesn’t appear or work, try the old-fashioned way: Connect the iPhone to your computer over USB and open Finder or iTunes (depending on your computer operating system). Press and release the iPhone’s volume up button, then the volume down button. Then press and hold the side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen with cable and computer icons. If you don’t see them, throw yourself at the mercy of Apple Support by contacting them online.

MacOS Finder shows iPhone in Recovery Mode with the option to update or restore for iOS 26 beta installation.

If you do, Finder or iTunes will show the message “There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.” It’s best to select the Restore option, which erases the Phone and installs the latest public release of iOS. Then restore the deleted data and settings from your backup.