Apple Launches iOS 26 Beta with Sleek New Liquid Glass Design

Apple has initiated the rollout of iOS 26 Developer Beta 1, introducing a redesigned user interface dubbed "Liquid Glass," a major design transition since iOS 7. The software release comes just 24 hours after its announcement at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025.

This marks a notable shift in Apple’s naming convention, jumping from iOS 18 to iOS 26 in an effort to match the calendar year. The beta release enables developers to test and optimize their applications ahead of the expected public launch in September.

Liquid Glass represents Apple’s biggest visual overhaul in over a decade, delivering a smoother, more immersive interface across iPhones. However, many features highlighted during WWDC may not yet be active in this initial beta version, which is known to contain bugs and system instability.

Apple advises developers to install the beta on secondary devices to prevent loss of important data, given the incomplete nature of early versions. A public beta version of iOS 26 is slated for release in July, offering a more refined and stable build for general users.

Steps to Access iOS 26 Developer Beta:

To install iOS 26 Developer Beta 1, users must first register for Apple’s Developer Program:

1. Go to the official Apple Developer Program website or open the Apple Developer app.

2. Sign in using your Apple ID and fill in your name and address details.

3. Choose 'Individual' as the entity type and agree to the terms to join the free tier.

While a payment link is visible, the developer beta remains accessible even without completing the purchase.

Once enrolled:

* Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.

* Select Beta Updates.

* Choose iOS 26 Developer Beta to initiate the download.

This release aligns with Apple’s yearly hardware cycle and offers developers a head start in preparing their apps for the upcoming iPhone lineup.