Apple announced developer betas for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 on June 9, 2025, and said public betas would follow in July 2025. Its cited announcements specify the month, not an exact public-beta start day. The final releases arrived on September 15, 2025.
iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 beta release dates
| Release stage | iOS 26 | macOS Tahoe 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement and developer beta | June 9, 2025; Apple announced the release and opened developer testing that day. | June 9, 2025; Apple announced the release and opened developer testing that day. |
| Announced public-beta timing | July 2025; Apple announced the month but not an exact start day in the cited announcement. | July 2025; Apple announced the month but not an exact start day in the cited announcement. |
| Final release | September 15, 2025; Apple announced the free update was available. | September 15, 2025; Apple announced the free update was available. |
Apple’s June 9 announcements said both systems were available for testing through the Apple Developer Program starting that day, with public betas expected “next month.” Apple Developer’s release listing also dates both developer betas to June 9. Apple’s iOS 26 announcement, macOS Tahoe 26 announcement, and Apple Developer’s releases listing provide those dates.
When did the iOS 26 and macOS 26 public betas start?
Apple announced July 2025 as the public-beta month for both operating systems. The official announcements cited here do not establish the precise day the public betas became available, so a specific date should not be treated as confirmed by those sources.
When were the final versions released?
Apple announced that iOS 26 and macOS 26 were available as free software updates on September 15, 2025. See Apple’s announcement of the final platform releases.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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