To get iOS 26 on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Before iOS 26 is officially released, you can install the iOS 26 developer beta by:
- Visiting developer.apple.com and logging in with your Apple ID.
- Agreeing to the developer terms and enrolling in the program (no paid membership is required).
- Downloading and installing the iOS 26 beta profile from the developer site.
- Going to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and selecting iOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Downloading and installing the beta update on your iPhone.
- Note: The beta is recommended only for risk-tolerant users or secondary devices due to potential bugs and instability.
- The official public release of iOS 26 is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025. After that date:
- You can update your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Your iPhone will notify you of the iOS 26 update if your device is compatible (iPhone 11 or newer).
- Agree to the installation prompts to install iOS 26.
- It is crucial to back up your device before installing any beta or the official iOS update to avoid data loss.
- The iOS 26 update brings a new interface and features but may require hardware from newer iPhones (e.g., AI-powered features work best on iPhone 15 Pro or later).
Summary: If wanting iOS 26 now, join the Apple Developer Beta program for early access. Otherwise, wait for the public release starting September 15, 2025, and install via Software Update on compatible devices.