Apple Unveils iOS 26, macOS Tahoe Public Betas: Get a First Look Now!

Just over six weeks since their unveiling, Apple has tonight released the public beta versions of its upcoming operating systems including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 (but not yet visionOS 26). Updates for the AirPods and HomePod are also available for anyone to install without requiring developer access. To enroll, one needs to visit a specific page on Apple’s website to register. After registration, users can select the “Public Beta” profile in the updates section of their Apple devices.

Progress and Stability of the New Betas

These releases mark the fourth iteration of developer work since the initial beta launches in early June. Over this period, Apple has managed to fix numerous bugs and enhance the performance of the new features. However, these updates are still under development, and users should be aware of this before opting to install them ahead of the final versions expected in September.

Considerations Before Installing

For those eager to experiment with features like Liquid Glass ahead of their final release, be prepared to encounter some bugs and possibly experience faster battery drain on portable devices. Also, be aware that Apple might deny warranty services for devices running beta software if the issue is suspected to be related to the beta installation. Therefore, it’s critical to back up your data before installing the beta, and to keep backups updated regularly thereafter.