Apple seeds first developer betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe and more

Apple has seeded the first set of developer betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, which are available now to install on compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs and Apple Vision Pro.

Despite being developer betas, anyone can install the betas today, although Apple will seed a separate release, which is usually more stable, for public testers next month.

The betas span iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

iOS 26 boasts Apple’s most visually striking redesign since iOS 7 with a new “Liquid Glass” aesthetic. This update brings a refreshed interface across the system, with translucent elements and dynamic, content-focused layouts. The Lock Screen now adjusts the clock layout to fit around wallpaper imagery, and spatial wallpapers add a 3D parallax effect. Core apps like Camera and Photos have been overhauled, while Apple Music, News, and Podcasts now feature a floating tab bar for more immersive browsing.

Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 receives powerful upgrades, including Live Translation for real-time audio and text translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. A new Visual Intelligence tool enables users to interact with on-screen content — such as asking contextual questions or searching for similar items — through ChatGPT or third-party apps. The Phone and Messages apps are also revamped: Phone now offers a unified view and introduces Call Screening and Hold Assist, while Messages gains spam filtering, custom backgrounds, polls, and Apple Cash enhancements in group chats.

Beyond communication and design, iOS 26 includes notable updates to entertainment and utility apps. Apple Music introduces Lyrics Translation, Lyrics Pronunciation, and an AutoMix DJ-style feature. Maps now tracks visited places and notable stops, while Wallet sports redesigned boarding passes with Live Activities and deeper integration with travel tools.