iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe Public Betas Delayed: What You Need to Know!

In recent years, Apple has typically released public test versions of its new operating systems in the early half of July. For instance, iOS 18 was made available on July 15, 2024, iOS 17 on July 12, iOS 16 on July 11, and iOS 15 was even released at the end of June in 2021. However, for iOS 26 and its counterparts for iPad and macOS, Apple seems to be taking more time. It’s July 15, and there are still no public betas available. Mark Gurman, who is usually well-informed, mentioned on X that we shouldn’t expect them before July 23.

Given the current date, the fourth beta version for developers is expected to be released around that time, since the third one was launched a week ago. The delay (though it must be noted that Apple neither publishes a roadmap nor announces exact dates) is likely due to some specific issues: Liquid Glass. This new unified interface from Apple encountered criticism in its early developmental versions, and the company is still fine-tuning the balance to enhance readability while simultaneously dialing back on the transparency effects that were highlighted during the WWDC keynote. The adjustments made in the third beta were quite significant, which might lead Apple to modify these effects further for the fourth beta, which is expected to be the first public beta.