Apple has confirmed iOS 26’s public launch this fall, following the release of beta 4 to developers and testers with major UI and Apple Intelligence updates.

First published on July 25, 2025 at 4:00 a.m. PT. If you have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, the first public beta of iOS 26 is bringing AI notification summaries back to news and entertainment apps after being partly removed earlier this year.

– If you go ahead and install the iOS 26 public beta on your main device, then be sure to back up your phone’s data first. – Beta builds can have some privacy or security weaknesses, so try to avoid entering sensitive personal information while using it.

In iOS 26, you'll get new tools for creating custom Genmoji using ChatGPT. According to Apple, "Genmoji and Image Playground provide users with even more opportunities for self-expression, including mixing their favorite emoji, Genmoji, and descriptions together to create brand-new images."

To install the public beta, you'll need to enroll your Apple Account in the Apple Beta Software Program. Once you do, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Choose "iOS 26 Public Beta," then tap Back. iOS will load the beta, and you'll be able to hit Update Now when it's ready.

Back in 2024, we described how the then-new iOS 18 enabled you to tint your homescreen icons, allowing you to tweak the look of your iPhone’s display. Now, with Apple’s introduction of its Liquid Glass design for iOS 26, you can make your icons completely clear ( assuming you’re a fan of the new invisible look).

iOS 26 brings a new translucent "Liquid Glass" look, the latest on-device Apple Intelligence perks (real-time translation and a smarter Visual Intelligence search ), and phone and text upgrades like built-in call screening and in-chat polls.