As a tech journalist with years of experience testing early software, I installed it immediately on my iPhone 15. The promise of “Liquid Glass” design, smarter AI, and enhanced privacy had me intrigued. But does this beta build deliver? After 48 hours of intense usage, here’s my candid take on the iOS 26 Public Beta – Apple’s most ambitious update in years.
iOS 26 Public Beta: First Impressions
Installing the iOS 26 public beta was straightforward via Apple’s Beta Software Program. The download size was approximately 4.5GB, and the installation took 30 minutes on my iPhone 15. Upon rebooting, the new “Liquid Glass” interface immediately stood out. Icons and system elements now have a subtle, fluid transparency that reacts to motion. It’s visually stunning but occasionally stutters during quick swipes – a known beta issue Apple will likely fix.
The lock screen received subtle but meaningful tweaks. Widgets are more interactive, letting me play/pause music or check my calendar without unlocking. However, I encountered two app crashes in the first hour: one with Messages and another with Spotify. These early bugs are expected, but they underscore why casual users should wait.
What’s New in iOS 26?
Apple’s focus this year is clearly on intelligence and personalization. The redesigned Control Center now adapts to your habits. For example, it prioritized HomeKit controls when I arrived at my apartment and switched to media controls during my evening run. It’s intuitive but requires a week of usage to fully calibrate.
Privacy features also take center stage. A new “Privacy Dashboard” consolidates app permissions, microphone/camera access logs, and VPN status into one place. I tested this by opening TikTok and instantly saw a notification that the app accessed my clipboard. This level of transparency is unprecedented and highly welcome.
Other notable additions:
- AI-Powered Camera: Night mode now activates 40% faster in low light, per my tests. Portrait videos finally support manual depth adjustments.
- Siri Offline Mode: Basic commands (timers, calls) work without internet, a boon for travelers.
- Health App Redesign: Sleep tracking now integrates with Apple Watch for detailed REM cycle analysis.
Performance and Battery Life
Performance is mostly smooth, with apps launching 0.5 seconds faster on average than iOS 18. Multitasking feels snappier too. However, battery drain is significant. My iPhone 15 typically lasts 18 hours; on iOS 26 beta, it dropped to 13.5 hours with moderate use. Heavy tasks like gaming or video calls exacerbate this. Charging times remain unchanged.
Should You Install the iOS 26 Public Beta?
If you’re a developer or tech enthusiast with a secondary device, yes. The new features are transformative, particularly the privacy tools and adaptive UI. But for everyday users, I strongly advise waiting. The battery hit and occasional instability (I’ve reported 7 bugs so far) aren’t worth the novelty yet. Apple’s final release, expected in September, will iron these out.
The future of iPhone software looks brighter than ever. iOS 26’s Liquid Glass interface and privacy-first approach set a new standard – but only when it’s ready. For now, stick with iOS 18 unless you’re prepared for beta quirks. Developers can download the beta today via Apple’s official site.
Must Know
Q: How do I install the iOS 26 public beta?
A: Enroll in Apple’s Beta Software Program (beta.apple.com) using your Apple ID. Back up your iPhone, then navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to download. Installation takes 30-60 minutes.
Q: Which iPhones support iOS 26?
A: iOS 26 supports iPhone XS and newer, including all iPhone 15 models. The full list is on Apple’s developer site.
Q: Can I revert to iOS 18 if I dislike the beta?
A: Yes, but you must restore from a backup made before installing the beta. Downgrading erases all data, so back up frequently.
Q: Are banking apps working on iOS 26 beta?
A: Most major banks (Chase, Wells Fargo) work, but some regional credit unions may crash. Check your bank’s app compatibility statement first.
Q: Does iOS 26 beta include the rumored “Apple GPT” chatbot?
A: Not yet. Code references exist, but the feature is disabled in this build. It may arrive in later betas.
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