How to Download and Install iOS 26 with Liquid Glass Design on iPhone

Just hours after its unveiling at WWDC 2025, Apple has rolled out the first developer beta of iOS 26, and it’s already turning heads. The update brings a bold new Liquid Glass design that refreshes the entire iPhone interface, making it look sleeker and more modern than ever before. But iOS 26 is not just about looks — it’s packed with powerful AI-driven features that promise to change how users interact with their devices.

And the best part? Even though it's technically meant for developers, anyone with a supported iPhone can install the iOS 26 beta for free — no developer fee required.

What’s New in iOS 26?

Apple has skipped straight from iOS 18 to iOS 26 to align version numbers across all platforms — and to emphasize that this is a major leap, not just a routine update.

Here are some standout features:

• Liquid Glass Design: A visually stunning UI revamp with translucent elements across apps and menus, making your iPhone feel brand new.
• Live Translation in Messages & FaceTime: Real-time, multilingual conversations are now possible right in your chats and calls.
• Call Screening and Hold Assist: Smarter tools that handle spam calls and even stay on hold so you don’t have to.
• Apple Intelligence: A new suite of on-device AI tools — but available only on select models (see below).

Who Can Install iOS 26?

Anyone with an iPhone 11 or newer can install the iOS 26 developer beta. However, to access the full Apple Intelligence features, you'll need:

• iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 17 series (when released)

How to Install iOS 26 Developer Beta (Step-by-Step)

• Step 1: Visit developer.apple.com on your iPhone and sign in with your Apple ID.
• Step 2: Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and turn it on.
• Step 3: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates, and choose iOS 26 Developer Beta.
• Step 4: Tap Download and Install, then follow the prompts to complete the setup.

Important Things to Know Before Updating

• iOS 26 beta only works on iPhone 11 or later.
• Make sure your device is already running the latest stable update (iOS 18.5).
• You’ll need at least 15GB of free space for the installation.
• Always back up your iPhone before installing a beta. Use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) for a full backup in case you need to roll back.
• As a developer beta, it may contain bugs and app crashes — so it's not recommended for your main device.

iPhones Compatible with iOS 26

• iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 series
• iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)
• iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 series
• iPhone 17 series (launching later in 2025)

Should You Install iOS 26 Now?

iOS 26 is a significant upgrade, combining a striking new look with practical, AI-powered features. If you’re eager to try the latest innovations and are okay with some early bugs, the developer beta is available today. Otherwise, you might want to wait for the public beta, expected to drop next month, for a more stable experience.