Apple Launches iOS 26 Public and Developer Beta: Key Features, Compatible iPhones, and Installation Guide

Apple has expanded the rollout of iOS 26 with fresh beta builds now available to developers and public testers. The seventh developer beta and the fourth public beta are live, offering a closer look at the refinements and features that will shape the next major iPhone update.

What’s New in iOS 26 Beta

Adaptive Power Mode with Notifications

A standout addition in iOS 26 is the Adaptive Power mode, designed to extend battery life when your iPhone is consuming power faster than usual. It works by making system-level changes such as dimming the screen, delaying certain tasks, or switching on Low Power Mode at 20 percent.

With the latest beta, Apple has added a notification setting that allows users to decide whether they want an alert each time Adaptive Power mode activates.

Drafts Filter in Messages

The Messages app now includes a dedicated Drafts filter within the “Filter by” dropdown menu. This helps users quickly find conversations where a reply has been typed but not sent, reducing the chance of leaving important messages unfinished.

Blood Oxygen Measurement Redesign (US)

Users in the United States will notice a redesigned blood oxygen tracking feature when their iPhone is paired with watchOS 26 beta. The change comes after Apple reworked the function in response to a patent dispute with Masimo, which had limited blood oxygen availability on certain Apple Watch models sold in the US.

iOS 26 Supported iPhones

The new beta can be installed on the following iPhone models:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16, 16e
• iPhone 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Plus, 15
• iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14
• iPhone 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13, 13 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, 12 mini
• iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11

However, Apple Intelligence features tied to iOS 26 will remain exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the full iPhone 16 lineup.

How to Install iOS 26 Public Beta

Users eager to try iOS 26 ahead of the official release can install the public beta by following these steps:

1. Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program.
2. Open Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
3. Tap Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Public Beta.
4. Go back to the Software Update screen and wait for the update to appear.
5. Agree to Apple’s terms and conditions, then download.
6. Once the download is complete, the installation will begin automatically.

It is strongly recommended to back up your iPhone before installing the beta, as pre-release versions may include bugs.

Closing Thoughts

The iOS 26 beta shows Apple’s focus on battery efficiency, smarter communication tools, and refinements to health tracking. While the software is still in testing, these updates offer users an early preview of the improvements heading to iPhones later this year