Apple releases iOS 26 developer beta with ‘Liquid Glass’ UI: Here’s how to try Apple’s big redesign
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Apple releases iOS 26 developer beta with ‘Liquid Glass’ UI: Here’s how to try Apple’s big redesign
Apple has released iOS 26 Developer Beta 1. The update succeeds last year’s iOS 18 and marks the first time Apple has dropped incremental version numbers in favour of aligning with the upcoming year. The biggest change is a major overhaul of the design language through the introduction of Liquid Glass. Apple recommends installing Developer Betas on a secondary testing device to avoid any loss of personal data.
The biggest change in iOS 26 is a major overhaul of the design language through the introduction of Liquid Glass, the most significant UI shift on iPhones since iOS 7.
Notably, Apple rolls out these Developer Betas to give app makers time to optimise their apps before the software officially launches — likely in September alongside the new iPhones. However, since this is an early Developer Beta, many of the newly announced features and changes may be missing, and the OS itself may feel unstable or incomplete.
Apple recommends installing Developer Betas on a secondary testing device to avoid any loss of personal data. For early adopters, a public beta of iOS 26 is also expected to launch next month and should be relatively more stable.
How to download iOS 26 Developer beta 1? In order to become eligible for downloading iOS 26 developer beta, you will first have to become an Apple Developer by enrolling in the company’s Developer programme. To become a developer, just visit the enrollment page or open the Apple Developer app and sign in with your Apple ID.
Finish the enrollment process by entering your name and address. Choose your ‘entity type’ as individual and accept the ageeement and you will be enrolled in the free tier of the developer programme. Notably, there will be a link to make payment for the developer programme but even if you don’t pay for that the free tier of the programme will still work.
Apple Launches iOS 26 Beta with Sleek New Liquid Glass Design
Apple launches iOS 26 Developer Beta 1. The software release comes just 24 hours after its announcement at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The beta release enables developers to test and optimize their applications ahead of the expected public launch in September. A public beta version of iOS 26 is slated for release in July, offering a more refined and stable build for general users.
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.