Apple made the first beta version of iOS 26 available to developers immediately after its presentation at WWDC 2025, opening the doors for both developers and eager enthusiasts who want to explore the extensive interface update, new gaming hub, and AI-based features sooner.

While the public beta will only be available in July and the stable release is planned for this fall alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, users with an Apple ID can install it now — with the usual caveats about unstable software.

Changes in iOS 26: What's New for Gamers

The most extensive interface update since iOS 7 arrives in iOS 26. The Liquid Glass interface adds translucent, lens-like UI elements in widgets, notifications, and system menus, in line with the aesthetics soon to appear in macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Icons, buttons, and even background blurring have been enhanced for a more cohesive, futuristic look.

The iOS 26 update has also impacted the gaming section.

• Apple Games App: iOS 26 debuts with a standalone Games app that centralizes your mobile game library, achievements, and in-game friend lists. Think of it as a one-stop hub for discovering new games, tracking playtime, and launching instantly without searching on the home screen.
• On-Device AI for Gaming: Leveraging the A17 Bionic and newer chips, iOS 26 adds Visual Intelligence APIs directly to the screen, which developers can use to create "smarter," context-aware gaming experiences. Expect NPCs that react more dynamically and real-time translation in multiplayer.
• Gaming Performance Boosts: Under-the-hood optimizations promise smoother FPS and reduced loading times, especially on the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models, where Apple Intelligence features run natively.

Other Key New Features

• Live Translation: Instant text and voice translation directly in Messages and FaceTime, supporting seamless multilingual communication without leaving the conversation.
• Call Screening & Hold Assist: An evolution of Live Voicemail: call screening handles unknown numbers, displaying live transcription of the caller's intent, while Hold Assist notifies you when a real person joins the line.
• Updates for Phone, Camera, and Maps: Redesigned call logs with expanded contact cards; an overview AI in the camera offering frame corrections; and new informative map modes with live location sharing and AR navigation for pedestrians.

How to Download iOS 26

While this beta is primarily intended for developers, Apple has changed its policy, and now anyone can register for free. To access it, you need an iPhone 11 or newer (iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, while supported on iOS 18, are no longer compatible here) and at least an A17 Bionic (iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or any iPhone 16) for Apple Intelligence features.

If you're ready to try iOS 26 now, here's how to install the developer beta:

Step 1: Register for the Apple Developer Program

Visit the Apple Developer site, sign in with your Apple ID, and click "Start Your Enrollment." The free tier is sufficient for beta access.

Step 2: Join the Public Beta Program

On your iPhone, go to the Apple Beta Software Program site, tap "Sign Up," then "Enroll Your iOS Device," and select "Open Beta Updates."

You'll be redirected to Settings to enable beta updates.

Step 3: Download iOS 26 Developer Beta

Open Settings > General > Software Update.

Tap Beta Updates, select iOS 26 Developer Beta, go back, and tap Download and Install.

Follow the on-screen prompts and wait for the reboot (it will take about 10–15 minutes).

Before installing, make sure to back up your device — preferably an archived one via Finder or iTunes — to have the option to revert to iOS 18.5 if needed. Betas can be unstable, causing app issues, rapid battery drain, or crashes, so it's best to test them on a secondary device or wait for the public beta in July.

Why You Should Wait for the Public Beta

Beta software can be unstable. Early builds may have bugs that cause app crashes, rapid battery drain, or overheating. The public beta, releasing in July, is usually more stable. If this is your primary device, it's advisable to wait for the public beta or install the developer profile on a spare iPhone.

What's Next

Looking ahead, Apple plans to release iOS 26 (along with iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26) as a free update this September. However, for gamers and advanced users who can't wait, the developer beta is open today — featuring Liquid Glass, AI innovations, and the new Games app for iPhone.