Every June, Apple announces its latest operating system updates during WWDC before releasing them for download in September, coinciding with new hardware launches. The timeframe from June to September is dedicated to beta testing the software, generating excitement among two key user segments. Initially, developers gain early access to betas in June, right after the WWDC keynote. This allows them to start updating their existing applications and developing new ones ahead of the fall. A month later, regular users can participate in Apple’s public betas, trying out the latest designs and features prior to the September rollout.
Among all operating system updates, iOS stands out as the most thrilling, making the public release of the latest iPhone OS beta an eagerly awaited occasion. This anticipation is especially pronounced for iOS 26, which introduces a new naming convention and a completely new design aesthetic that has already sparked some debate. The first public beta of iOS 26 will allow longtime iPhone users to test Liquid Glass several months before the completed iOS 26 software is available. However, the debut of the first public beta is taking slightly longer than anticipated. Apple did not introduce iOS 26 public beta 1 last week as expected.
Mark Gurman believes that Apple will launch the operating system this week, reaffirming a statement he made a few days ago. Gurman mentioned last Tuesday that the first iOS 26 public beta would be released on July 23, or this Wednesday. Following that, the Bloomberg journalist published a new Power On newsletter (via MacRumors), reiterating the expected launch timeframe.
What has caused the delay of iOS 26 public beta 1?
“All signs indicate that iOS 26 should enter the public beta phase this coming week,” Gurman stated on Sunday. The unofficial timeline aligns with Apple’s usual pattern for the first public beta releases for the latest iPhone OS. Public betas generally launch in mid-July, although they can also appear in late June. A July 23 release for the iOS 26 public beta is atypical, coming at least a week later than what is customary. For instance, iOS 16, iOS 17, and iOS 18 all became available in public beta before July 15 in previous years. Any further delays would push us closer to an August release.
The exact reason for the delay remains uncertain. I have used iOS 26 in beta since the initial release, and the overall experience has been positive. iOS 26 is stable, and all applications function properly. Indeed, there was significant battery drain during the initial days, and some bugs are anticipated. The transparency feature of Liquid Glass has been the primary concern with iOS 26 thus far. Nevertheless, Apple took swift action to address user complaints. iOS 26 beta 2 and beta 3 significantly reduced transparency. In fact, it could be argued that iOS 26 beta 3 may have overcorrected.
In summary, Liquid Glass could be the reason behind Apple’s postponement of the iOS 26 public beta this year. Regardless of the cause for the delay, iOS 26 public beta 1 should align with the release of iOS 26 developer beta 4, provided Gurman’s insights are accurate. Apple will also provide public betas for iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
Longtime iPhone users already familiar with Apple’s Beta Software Program know how to access iOS 26, but for those needing assistance or attempting iPhone betas for the first time, we have created a guide on how to download the iOS 26 public beta. The procedure is straightforward, and you can revert to iOS 18 if iOS 26 does not meet your preferences. However, it is advisable to take some precautions, such as backing up your data before upgrading to iOS 26.
