This new iOS 26 beta has certainly got tongues wagging, promising all sorts of exciting features. But, as with anything on the cutting edge, there’s a flip side. As your go-to guy for tech troubleshooting, I’m here to walk you through the ins and outs, so you can decide if taking the plunge is right for you.
What Exactly is the iOS 26 Beta?
First off, it’s worth understanding what a “beta” actually means in the world of software. Beta versions are essentially test versions of upcoming software updates, released before the final, polished product arrives. They let eager users and, more importantly, developers, get their hands on the new features early.
Apple typically releases two main types of betas for iOS 26:
- Developer Beta: This is the very first version, released right after Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). It’s primarily intended for app developers to test their applications and ensure they’re compatible with the new operating system. As such, it’s usually the least stable and most prone to bugs. Access to the developer beta is available to members of the Apple Developer Programme, and a free membership should suffice for beta access.
- Public Beta: This version usually follows a few weeks later, typically around mid-July. It’s a bit more stable than the developer beta, as some initial issues will have been ironed out. Anyone with an Apple ID can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Programme to access this.
Both versions offer a peek at the new features, but they come with varying degrees of risk. Now, let’s weigh up the good against the bad.
The Good Bits: Pros of Installing iOS 26 Beta
There’s no denying the allure of getting new features before most of the world. Here’s why you might be tempted:
Early Feature Access and a Brand New Look
The most obvious draw is the chance to explore the new features of iOS 26 months before its official release. This includes deeper Apple Intelligence integrations and the much-talked-about “Liquid Glass” user interface. This new design gives your iPhone a translucent, reflective, and glass-like appearance, making icons and other visual elements look more vibrant and modern. It’s a significant visual enhancement compared to previous versions.
Smarter, AI-Enhanced Communication
iOS 26 introduces some rather clever communication tools. You’ll find features like real-time call screening and voicemail transcription summaries, which can help you filter out unwanted calls and quickly grasp the content of messages without listening to them in full. There’s also “smart call hold” and real-time message translation, making communication smoother and more efficient, especially if you’re dealing with different languages.
Personalised Ways to Express Yourself
A fun addition is “Genmojis,” which allows you to create custom, AI-powered animated emojis that reflect your own style and emotions. This adds a new layer of personalisation and expression to your digital conversations. Messaging also gets a boost with the ability to create polls directly within group chats and advanced filtering options powered by AI.
Opportunity to Shape the Future
If you’re keen to be more than just a user, installing the beta allows you to provide feedback directly to Apple through the “Feedback Assistant” app, which appears on beta builds. This means your observations about bugs or suggestions for improvements can actually help shape the final public release. It’s a chance to have your say in the development of the software.
The Not-So-Good Bits: Cons and Risks
Whilst getting early access is exciting, it comes with a fair few caveats. Betas are not typically designed for everyday use on your main device, and for very good reason.
Instability and Performance Woes
This is perhaps the biggest consideration. Beta software, especially early developer betas, is by its very nature unpredictable and unstable. You should absolutely be prepared for occasional bugs, glitches, and app crashes. Users have reported various issues, including the user interface feeling sluggish (lag), apps closing unexpectedly, and the device generally feeling slow. Some have even experienced issues with core functions like the flashlight, Bluetooth, CarPlay, Safari, and Wi-Fi. Your device might also get hotter than usual, especially during demanding tasks.
Battery Drain Blues
Another common complaint with beta releases is increased battery consumption. The new “Liquid Glass” visuals are quite demanding on the device’s graphics processing unit (GPU), and background tasks and system bugs in an unoptimised beta can drain your battery noticeably faster. Whilst Apple Support may give some confusing answers, rest assured that installing a beta does not permanently damage your battery. Battery performance typically stabilises over a few days or a week as the system optimises itself and future beta updates are released.
App Compatibility Headaches
Many apps, especially critical ones like banking applications, work VPNs, or even CarPlay, might not function correctly or at all on an early beta. This isn’t Apple’s fault; app developers need time to test their apps with the new iOS version and release updates to ensure compatibility. So, if you rely on specific apps daily, be prepared for them to potentially break.
The Peril of Data Loss (and Downgrading Hassles)
There’s a genuine risk of data loss when installing beta software. If you decide the beta is too much to handle and want to revert to the last stable iOS version (currently iOS 18), it’s not always a straightforward process. You’ll often need to perform a full factory restore of your device using a computer. Crucially, you must have a backup from before you installed the beta, preferably an archived one on your computer. iCloud backups can be tricky because they often overwrite previous backups, meaning your stable iOS 18 backup could be replaced by an iOS 26 beta backup, leaving you in a bit of a pickle.
Not for Your Main Device
Given the instability, potential for app compatibility issues, and the hassle of downgrading, it’s widely recommended that you avoid installing beta software on your primary, “mission-critical” device – the one you rely on daily for work, banking, or important communication. If you do decide to try it, it’s best to use a secondary device.
Other Niggles
- Feature Availability: Whilst the Liquid Glass interface is a highlight, some of the most exciting features might only be available on newer iPhone models, like the iPhone 11 and later, or the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and newer.
- Readability: Despite its visual appeal, the translucent layers and reflections of the Liquid Glass design can sometimes reduce contrast, making text and icons harder to see, particularly in bright conditions.
- Storage Space: The iOS 26 beta installation package can be quite large, exceeding 15GB. You’ll need ample free storage on your device.
- Apple Watch Compatibility: If you also have an Apple Watch, be aware that once you update it to watchOS 26 beta, you cannot downgrade it back to a previous stable version.
- Jailbreaking: If you’re someone who likes to jailbreak your iPhone or install unofficial tweaks, updating to a new iOS beta is generally a no-go, as it can take a long time for new firmware to receive jailbreaks, and updates can patch the exploits they rely on.
Should You Install It?
So, after all that, the million-dollar question: should you download the iOS 26 beta?
My advice, based on years of seeing all sorts of technical woes, is pretty simple. If you’re a developer who needs to test apps, or a very tech-savvy individual with a spare device who enjoys tinkering and can handle potential problems, then perhaps. You’ll get to experience the new features early and contribute to the software’s development.
However, for the vast majority of everyday users who rely on their iPhone for work, communication, or simply a smooth experience, I’d strongly recommend holding off. The developer beta, especially the very first release, is simply not stable enough for daily use. You’re likely to encounter frustrating bugs, battery drain, and app compatibility issues.
The smarter move for most people is to wait for the public beta, which usually arrives in mid-July. It will be more stable, with many of the initial major bugs ironed out. Better yet, if you value reliability above all else, wait for the final public release of iOS 26, which typically comes out in the autumn. You’ll avoid all the headaches and get a polished, well-tested version of the software. It’s always a case of patience paying off when it comes to early software releases.
