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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe first iOS 26 public beta arrived in July 2025, but iOS 26 is now a released operating system, not the current beta. To try a beta available today, enroll your iPhone in Apple’s Beta Software Program, then check Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Apple says enrollment and beta software are free; make a backup first, because beta software may be less reliable than a commercial release.
What happened to the first iOS 26 public beta?
Apple previewed iOS 26 on June 9, 2025, and said its public beta would follow in July. The company released iOS 26 on September 15, 2025. By October 4, 2026, iOS 26 is a released platform with later point updates, and Apple’s developer news reports iOS 27 beta availability. So the steps below explain how Apple’s beta program works, but the beta offered on your iPhone depends on the current program and device eligibility—not on a promise that the original iOS 26 beta remains available. Apple’s iOS 26 announcement and release announcement provide the timeline.
How to enroll and install an available iPhone beta
1. Enroll with Apple
Visit the Apple Beta Software Program and sign in with a valid Apple Account. Apple says the program is open to anyone who accepts its agreement, and participation and beta software are free. Apple’s beta installation support also explains access through device software settings.
2. Back up your iPhone
Apple recommends backing up the iPhone before installing beta software. A backup made before installing the beta is important if you later need to restore a previous released version of iOS. Apple warns that beta software can contain errors or inaccuracies and may not function as well as commercially released software; it does not publish a reliability rate for the beta.
#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%.
3. Choose the beta in Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates.
- Select a beta that is offered for your Apple Account and device, then return to Software Update and follow the onscreen prompts.
Available choices and build numbers can change. Use the options shown on your own iPhone rather than relying on a specific beta version listed elsewhere. Enrolled devices receive beta updates through Software Update. Apple also provides Feedback Assistant for reporting issues, and participation is voluntary and uncompensated.
What Liquid Glass changes in iOS 26
Apple calls Liquid Glass a translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, designed to keep attention on content. The company says the design appears across controls, navigation, app icons, and widgets; its iOS release notes describe the effect as reflecting and refracting content in real time. This is Apple’s description of its design, rather than a separate technical standard.
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.
In its June 9, 2025 announcement, Apple senior vice president of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said: “iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful.” That is Apple’s launch characterization, not an independent assessment.
Check compatibility and decide whether to install
Apple announced that iOS 26 would be a free fall software update for iPhone 11 and later. That launch-era compatibility statement does not establish eligibility for every later beta or every feature: check Apple’s current program and your iPhone’s Software Update screen. Apple’s release notes also caution that updates may affect performance or battery life.
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%.
| Choice | What it means | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Install an offered beta | Get access to beta software and accept Apple’s warning that it may contain errors or work less well than a commercial release. | Someone who wants early access, has backed up the iPhone, and is prepared for a less polished experience. |
| Stay on released iOS | Wait for a commercial update instead of receiving beta updates. | Someone who depends on the iPhone and prefers released software. |
If you prefer a released update, Apple’s iOS download instructions say to open Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to stop beta updates or return to released iOS
You can unenroll a device so it no longer receives beta updates. Apple says you can then install the next commercial release through Software Update; unenrolling does not itself promise an immediate downgrade. For returning to a previous released iOS version, Apple says to restore from a backup made before installing the beta. Check Apple’s Beta Software Program FAQ for its current guidance before taking action.
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%.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
