Apple Issues Public Betas for its ’26 OS Releases

Two days after a 4th developer beta, Apple has issued public betas for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS 26, plus HomePod Software 26 and AirPods.

“Help make the next releases of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, HomePod software, and AirPods firmware our best yet,” the Apple Beta site explains. “As a member of the Apple Beta Software Program, you can take part in shaping Apple software by test-driving pre-release versions and letting us know what you think.”

While the iOS 26 public beta will likely be the most popular, iPadOS 26 is the standout in this generation of software, thanks to the long-overdue addition of PC-like multitasking capabilities. But each of the screen-based Apple platforms–iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS–provides a good opportunity to check out Apple’s new Liquid Glass user interface.

Enrolling in the beta varies by device, but with the iPhone, you can open the Settings app, navigate to General > Software Update, and choose “Beta Updates” and then “iOS 26 Public Beta” to get started. You can leave the beta at any time using the same interface: Just tap “Beta Updates” and then choose “Off.”