Apple’s iOS 26 beta launch is imminent. With the firm revealing the new software upgrade at the WWDC 2025 keynote, Cupertino is anticipated to present the most significant overhaul of its iPhone operating system in the past 7 years since the introduction of iOS.
If you wish to be among the first to experience iOS 26, here’s all you need to know regarding its download process and more.
### Step-by-step guide to install iOS 26 beta 1
Similar to last year, Apple has simplified the process of acquiring the developer beta profile. Users merely need to disable the previous version and select the new one.
This alteration initially began with iOS 16.4. At that time, the company clarified what would change for the beta cycle:
> Starting with iOS & iPadOS 16.4 beta, members of the Apple Developer Program will find a new option to enable developer betas directly from Software Update in Settings. This option will be enabled automatically on devices already registered in the program that upgrade to the latest beta version. Your iPhone or iPad must be logged in with the same Apple ID used to enroll in the Dev Program to see this option in Settings. In future iOS and iPadOS updates, this new setting will be the means to enable developer betas, and configuration profiles will no longer provide access.
This enables Apple to prevent regular users from installing the initial iOS 26 developer beta. While beta versions of prior updates have generally been stable, the company continues to handle complaints from users installing the developer beta on their primary iPhone and facing issues with applications or features.
With this in consideration, downloading the first iOS 26 developer beta is simpler than ever, provided you are a registered developer. When it becomes available, follow these instructions:
– On your iPhone, launch the **Settings** app
– Select **General** followed by **Software Update**
– Choose **Beta Updates** and switch from the iOS 18 Developer Beta to the iOS 26 Developer Beta
Ensure that your added Apple Account is registered as a developer. Then, you will see iOS 26 beta 1 appear on your device as an install option, allowing you to download it.
The same process applies to the Mac, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. Using a different Apple Account for the beta update won’t impact your iCloud settings. As Apple states: “You can sign in with a different Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program or Apple Developer Program.”
