Apple has recently introduced the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 update, following the announcement at the WWDC 2025 developers conference. This update brings a new design concept called Liquid Glass, marking a significant shift in the UI on iPhones since iOS 7.

The release of iOS 26 Beta 1 comes shortly after the unveiling of the software at the WWDC 2025 event in Cupertino. Unlike previous versions, Apple has decided to align the version number with the upcoming year, dropping the incremental numbering system.

One of the major highlights of iOS 26 is the introduction of Liquid Glass, which represents a major redesign of the user interface. This update is aimed at providing developers with ample time to optimize their apps before the official launch, expected to coincide with the release of the new iPhones in September.

It is important to note that Developer Betas are released early to allow developers to prepare for the upcoming changes. However, users should be aware that these early versions may lack some of the newly announced features and could be unstable or incomplete.

Apple advises users to install Developer Betas on secondary testing devices to prevent any potential loss of personal data. For those eager to try out the new features, a public beta of iOS 26 is set to be released next month, offering a more stable experience.

How to Download iOS 26 Developer Beta 1

To download iOS 26 Developer Beta, you must first enroll in the Apple Developer program. Simply visit the enrollment page or use the Apple Developer app to sign in with your Apple ID. Complete the enrollment process by providing your name and address, selecting 'individual' as your entity type, and agreeing to the terms. While there is an option to pay for the developer program, the free tier is sufficient for accessing the beta.