It’s been a month since Apple launched the primary developer beta of iOS 26, and iPhone customers are little question excited to check out the brand new model, because it introduces the Liquid Glass design amongst different cool options. With the discharge of the general public beta, it’s possible you’ll be questioning whether or not it’s price putting in iOS 26 in your iPhone or for those who ought to wait till September.
In the event you actually wish to strive the brand new software program, learn on as we element how easy or buggy the iOS 26 beta is, and whether or not you must truly set up it proper now.
iOS 26 is crammed with tempting new options
There are various new options in iOS 26. Most notable, it has a brand new eye-catching Liquid Glass design that simulates a clear layer for menus and panels, with depth and reflections. From new wallpapers to clear icons and floating menus, Liquid Glass brings a recent look to the iPhone’s working system that you have to see and expertise to grasp. However even for those who don’t care about Liquid Glass, there’s extra to see in iOS 26.
With iOS 26, you get stay translations for telephone calls and FaceTime. You too can see translations in iMessage conversations, all powered by Apple Intelligence. Talking of Apple Intelligence, Visible Intelligence has been upgraded with the power to circle something in a screenshot to seek for it on the internet.
Amongst many iPhone options, iOS 26 additionally features a few new AirPods options.
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AirPods are additionally getting new tips with iOS 26. Along with letting you management the iPhone digicam remotely, Apple’s earbuds can now work as high-quality microphones for the primary time. That is nice information for creators who wish to shoot video without having a lavalier mic.
As well as, the replace brings many quality-of-life enhancements, comparable to smarter spam filters in Messages, estimated charging instances, AutoMix (a DJ-like characteristic for Apple Music), and the choice to set a customized snooze period within the Clock app.
Resist the temptation for now
So how secure is the iOS 26 beta proper now? Based mostly on my expertise operating the most recent beta on totally different iPhones, I can say that the replace is fairly secure – however there’s quite a bit to remember.
On my iPhone 16 Professional Max, the most recent beta runs as easily as iOS 18 did. Whereas I observed a whole lot of body drops and crashing apps within the first two betas, that’s not the case. In the event you’re planning to put in the iOS 26 beta on one of many newest iPhones, such because the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, you most likely received’t face any vital efficiency points. Sure, the iPhone might overheat a bit relying on what you’re doing (comparable to taking pictures or enjoying video games), however total, it’s fairly attainable to make use of the machine usually for normal duties.
iOS 26 is good, however you’ll be higher off ready than putting in the beta proper now.
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On the similar time, this doesn’t imply every part is ideal. In spite of everything, we’re speaking about beta software program. Though Apple has already mounted probably the most essential bugs, there are nonetheless minor points right here and there. For example, some apps might not work very properly with iOS 26, as builders are nonetheless engaged on updates to make them absolutely appropriate. I additionally observed some interface glitches, seemingly because of the changes Apple continues to be making to Liquid Glass. Battery life, whereas improved within the newest beta, continues to be not ideally suited if you have to spend all day with no charger close by.
However when you have an older iPhone, comparable to an iPhone 11 or 12, you would possibly wish to wait a bit longer earlier than updating to the iOS 26 beta. In my exams, these gadgets nonetheless battle to run the beta easily. I’m certain Apple will additional optimize the replace for these fashions.
What about different betas?
Along with iOS 26, there are additionally betas out there for iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS 26, and visionOS 26. Total, my expertise with these betas is sort of just like the iOS 26 beta.
The most recent betas of iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 are fairly secure. On the Mac, a lot of the apps I exploit each day (Pixelmator Professional, Slack, and many others.) appear to be working simply nice with the beta, though I’ve observed Remaining Reduce Professional crashing a number of instances.
In relation to tvOS 26 and watchOS 26, the adjustments are so delicate that I don’t even really feel like I’m operating beta software program. Simply bear in mind that you could’t downgrade your Apple TV or Apple Watch in case one thing goes fallacious.
Liquid Glass is cool, nevertheless it’ll be simply as cool in September.
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Must you set up the iOS 26 public beta?
I perceive the joy of making an attempt out new options (and a brand-new interface) forward of the official launch. In the event you’re okay with experiencing a number of bugs whereas utilizing your iPhone, iOS 26 is already at a reasonably secure stage for a beta. Once more, bugs are there, however they (most likely) received’t make your telephone unusable.
Nonetheless, my recommendation to everyone seems to be: don’t set up the beta except you actually need it for some motive.
And don’t overlook: for those who’re going to set up beta software program, be sure you again up your machine earlier than updating. Make certain to again up your iPhone utilizing a Mac or PC and archive the backup information so to downgrade in case one thing goes fallacious.
And in addition to, you solely have a few months left to attend: iOS 26 is predicted to be formally launched to the general public in September.
