Apple will launch iOS 26 in three phases: the developer’s beta version, the public beta version and finally, the official “general” version.
Beta developer
The first beta developer of iOS 26 was published on June 9 during WWDC 2025. After that, the subsequent developer Betas, including Beta 3, was published.
Public beta
The public beta version should start in mid-July.
Apple usually opens its public beta program a few weeks after WWDC. For example, the IOS 18 public version of last year was launched in mid-July. This program allows anyone – not just recorded developers – tests early software, helping Apple to identify and solve bugs or performance problems before the final version.
General release
Apple officially released iOS 18 from the beta version on September 16, only a week after its “Glowtime” event.
Likewise, once IOS 26 will finish its developer and its public beta tests this summer, Apple should deploy the final version to everyone this fall.
