It is that time of the year again. Apple has officially released the public beta cycle for iOS 26 and other significant annual software updates after four developer betas. While developer betas are meant for testing purposes on separate devices, public betas are a safer option for everyday use.
The latest public betas cover a wide range of devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4. However, it is crucial to exercise caution before installing beta software on any device.
If you decide to install the public betas, ensure that your device is compatible with the update. Here is a list of supported devices for each public beta:
- iOS 26: iPhone 11 or later
- iPadOS 26: Various iPad models
- macOS Tahoe 26: Apple silicon Mac or specific Intel Mac models
- watchOS 26: Apple Watch Series 6 or later
- tvOS 26: Apple TV models from 2015 onwards
- HomePod Software 26: Second-generation HomePod or HomePod mini
- AirPods firmware: AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4
To install the public betas, follow these steps:
- Visit beta.apple.com and sign up with your Apple Account.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Updates on your device.
- Select Public Beta from the Beta Updates section.
- Tap Update Now to download and install the public beta.
The installation process may take some time and your device will restart once the update is complete. For watchOS 26, HomePod Software 26, and AirPods firmware, follow specific instructions within the respective apps to install the beta updates.
