How to install iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 developer beta today
Learn how to download and install the beta version of the newest iOS 26 on your iPhone today. The process to get iPadOS 26 on your iPad is no different.
Apple announced the most recent version of iOS and iPadOS, respectively named iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, at its annual WWDC conference on June 9th, 2025.
These latest software versions not only get a new naming scheme but they also introduce an all-new Liquid Glass interface that looks significantly different from what we’re all accustomed to.
If you’re looking to install this newest version of Apple’s software on your iPhone or iPad, first make sure you have an iPhone 11 or later model, as iOS 26 drops support for iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max.
We recommend backing up your device, preferably to a Mac or Windows PC, and archiving that backup (so you can easily downgrade to iOS 18 if needed). Once you have taken care of basic housekeeping items to prepare your iPhone or iPad for a new iOS version, follow the steps below to download, install, and use the latest iOS 26 update.
Download and install iOS 26 on your iPhone
Apple allows all iPhone users to install the iOS developer beta. But you must first register as a developer (which is free) to get this privilege. We’ll walk you through the simple process.
If you have installed an iOS developer beta in the past
Your Apple Account is already registered to get the new iOS 26 developer beta update if you have ever installed any developer beta software on your Apple devices. In this case, follow these steps to download and install iOS 26 on your iPhone.
1) Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General > Software Update.
2) Tap Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Developer Beta. Then, hit the Back button to return to the previous screen.
3) Now wait a few seconds for your iPhone to show the new iOS 26 Beta, and then tap the Update button to get this latest software.
If you don’t see the Beta Updates option on your iPhone
If you go to iOS Settings > General > Software Update and don’t see the “Beta Updates” button, then it means the Apple Account on this device is not registered as a developer.
The fix for this is very simple and involves logging in to Apple’s developer website, as outlined below.
1) Visit developer.apple.com/account and sign in with your existing Apple ID email address and password. Scroll down through the Apple Developer Agreement and hit the Agree button at the bottom to register as an app developer. You don’t necessarily have to customize your developer experience, so leave that page open and jump to the next step.
2) Return to iPhone Settings > General > Software Update and pull down that screen to refresh it. You’ll now see a new Beta Updates option that’s off by default. Tap it, select iOS 26 Developer Beta, return to the previous screen, and then you’ll see the new iOS 26 Beta update available for you to download and install.
Download and install iPadOS 26 on your iPad
The process to get iPadOS 26 on your iPad is precisely the same as iOS 26. Just go to iPad Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select iPadOS 26 Developer Beta. Now, return to the previous screen to download the newest version of iPadOS 26.
If you’re new to developer beta updates, register your Apple Account at developer.apple.com/account, and then you’ll get the option to try new software like iPadOS 26 before it’s released for everyone else.
As far as compatibility goes, the following iPad models support the newest iPadOS 26:
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
- iPad mini (with A17 Pro chip)
- iPad (with A16 chip)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2, M3, and later)
- iPad Pro 11‑inch (all generations)
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro (M4)
If you can’t install iOS 26 on your iPhone or iPad
Wait for a while, and force quit and reopen the Settings app periodically. Soon, you’ll get the option to install the newest iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 developer updates.
In case the issues persist, download the Apple Developer app for free from the App Store and sign in with your Apple Account. Then, tap Enroll Now > Continue > I agree, and fill in your personal information, such as name and phone number. Next, restart your device, and you should now get the option to download iOS 26 or iPadOS 26.
Get iOS 26 if your iPhone or iPad is currently on iOS 16.3 or earlier
If your device is currently on iOS version 16.3 or earlier, the best option is to first update to iOS 17 or iOS 18. After that, you’ll see the “Beta Updates” option in Settings > General > Software Update to get the newest iOS 26.
Alternatively, you can download the beta profile directly on the device by visiting beta.apple.com/profile and hitting the download the configuration profile link. Then, install this profile by opening the Settings app. Next, restart your iPhone or iPad, and go to Settings > General > Software Update to get the beta updates.
Also, check out: What to do if your iOS update is stuck for a long time
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/06/10/how-to-get-ios-26/
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