Apple Releases iOS 26 Beta 3: Who Can Download, New Features, and Installation Guide

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26 Beta 3, the latest version of its upcoming iPhone operating system, following initial criticism of the earlier beta releases. Announced during WWDC 2025, iOS 26 faced issues in its early beta versions, but Beta 3 brings a noticeably improved and more stable experience.

✅ Eligibility for iOS 26 Beta 3

• The update is available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for registered developers and beta testers.
• You’ll need iPhone 11 or newer to install iOS 26 Beta 3.

Note: Apple Intelligence features will only work on iPhone 15 Pro and above.

📥 How to Install iOS 26 Beta 3

To download and install the update:

Ensure you're registered with the Apple Developer Program or as a public beta tester.

On your iPhone, go to:

Settings → General → Software Update

Follow on-screen instructions to download and install iOS 26 Beta 3.

🆕 What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 3

Apple has refined the user interface with several visual and functional improvements aimed at enhancing clarity and aesthetics:

Navigation bars in apps like App Store, Podcasts, and Apple Music now appear less transparent and more solid for improved readability.

Safari adjusts transparency dynamically based on the page background.

Notifications now feature darker shades in some contexts to boost legibility.

New iOS 26 wallpapers added:

Dusk, Sky, Shadow, and Halo – all variations of blue and purple hues.

Control Center icons (WiFi, Bluetooth, AirDrop, Cellular) have brighter blue and green tones, enhancing visibility.

🔍 Final Thoughts

iOS 26 Beta 3 marks a notable improvement in performance and design over its predecessors, especially in visibility and UI polish. Though still in beta, it shows promising progress toward the final release expected later this year.

Stay tuned for more updates as iOS 26 continues to evolve ahead of its official launch.