iOS 26.1 Developer Beta Released: Here's How to Install
Apple rolls out iOS 26.1 developer beta with expanded AI languages, live translation, and UI updates for iPhone 11 and later models.
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Apple has begun rolling out the iOS 26.1 developer beta, giving iPhone users early access to new features and improvements ahead of the public release. This update follows the launch of iOS 26 earlier this month, with the beta focusing on both enhancements and bug fixes for existing issues.
The iOS 26.1 developer beta is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models. Users enrolled in Apple’s developer program can test the update, which brings expanded functionality for Apple Intelligence and improved compatibility with multiple languages.
The update introduces support for additional languages in Apple AI, including:
* Chinese (Traditional)
* Danish
* Dutch
* Norwegian
* Portuguese (Portugal)
* Swedish
* Turkish
* Vietnamese
While Siri and other AI-powered features are expected to be fully functional only with the iOS 26.4 update, this expansion lays the groundwork for broader accessibility across regions once these tools are publicly available.
Apple’s Live Translation feature, first showcased at WWDC 2025, now supports more languages for real-time translation. The newly added languages include:
* Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
* Italian
* Japanese
* Korean
The feature is compatible with AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3 when paired with eligible iPhones running iOS 26.1.
iOS 26.1 also brings subtle interface refinements. The Phone app receives a redesigned Liquid Glass keypad, while the Photos app now allows smoother playback of clips, enhancing the overall user experience.
How to Install iOS 26.1 Developer Beta
To install the beta, users must be registered in Apple’s developer program. The steps to update are:
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to General → Software Update.
3. Select Beta Update to download iOS 26.1.
4. Enter your passcode and reboot the device.
Apple advises caution, noting that developer betas may contain bugs. Users should avoid installing the update on primary devices and back up data before proceeding.
