Alex Ruben
How To Install the iOS 26 Developer Beta on Your iPhone
Apple recently dropped iOS 26 during WWDC 2025, showing off this fresh redesign and some new features that are kinda exciting. If you’re that person itching to try them out early and don’t mind the usual beta bugs, here’s how to get the iOS 26 developer beta onto your iPhone. Heads up, betas can be a bit wonky, so backing up is a good idea, especially if your main device is involved.
Prerequisites
First, make sure you have this stuff ready:
- A compatible iPhone with enough storage (because iOS updates tend to be chunky).
- A decent internet connection—no Wi-Fi, no dice.
- Backed-up your device — use either iCloud (go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud) or connect to a computer with iTunes (or Finder if on MacOS Catalina or later).
- An Apple developer account—if you don’t have one, signing up is kinda straightforward but costs a fee, and that’s how you get access to the beta profiles.
Method 1: Download the Beta Profile from Apple Developer Site
Why this helps
This method sets up your device to find beta updates directly—kind of like turning on a channel for the latest iOS preview, no hassle with manual IPSW files.
When it applies
If you’ve enrolled in the developer program and want an automatic way to get beta updates, this is your best shot. Especially if you’re okay with beta bugs popping up.
What to expect
After installing the profile, your device will see the beta update available in Settings > General > Software Update. Downloading and installing will be straightforward—though, yeah, sometimes it stalls or acts glitchy.
Steps
- Head to developer.apple.com on your iPhone’s Safari.
- Log into your developer account — just tap the menu, then Account, enter your Apple credentials.
- Scroll down to Get Beta Software or similar, download the configuration profile for iOS 26 beta.
- Once downloaded, go to Settings > General > Profile (or Profile Downloaded in some cases), and tap Install.
- If prompted, enter your passcode and agree to the terms.
- Go back to Settings > General > Software Update. The iOS 26 beta should show up. Tap Download & Install.
If it doesn’t show up right away, give it a few minutes or try restarting your device. Sometimes the profile takes a bit to register, or the update gets delayed due to servers.
Method 2: Using IPSW Files & Manual Install (if Profile method acts stubborn)
Why this helps
This way is more work, but sometimes you need it if the profile method fails or if you’re manually flashing the beta. It’s kinda riskier though, so don’t blame me if something goes wrong.
When it applies
If the OTA update refuses to come through, or you want to do a clean install, this is the fallback.
What to expect
Expect to need a computer (Mac or Windows), the right IPSX files, and a bit of patience. Your device will be wiped and flashed with the new build, so double-check that backup.
Steps
- Download the correct IPSW for your iPhone from the Apple Developer site.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB.
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows or older Mac).
- Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode — you usually do this by pressing and releasing volume up, then volume down, then holding the side button until the recovery screen appears.
- In Finder/iTunes, select your device, then hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Restore.
- Choose the IPSW file you downloaded and click Open. Confirm and let it do its thing.
Be aware — restoring this way wipes your device, so make sure backups are current. Also, it might take a few reboots and patience to get everything running smoothly.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Since beta is beta, don’t be surprised if you hit some snags:
- Check your device storage—if you’re low, the update won’t download properly.
- If the update stalls, try turning your device off, then on, and rerunning the update.
- On some setups, the profile download or beta availability can be laggy or missing—sometimes just waiting or re-downloading fixes it.
- It’s not recommended to run betas on your main daily driver unless you’re okay with bugs and potential crashes.
Conclusion
If all goes well, your iPhone will now be running iOS 26 beta, complete with early access to the new features and redesigns. Remember, beta software isn’t meant to be perfect, so report issues via Feedback Assistant. This way, you help improve it for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my iPhone acts up after installing the beta?
Usually, restoring from your latest backup restores stability—though sometimes reinstalling the beta is necessary if things are really broken.
Is running the developer beta okay on my main phone?
Better not—betas can crash, bug out, or brick your device. Use a secondary device if possible.
How can I send feedback or report bugs?
The Feedback Assistant app is your friend here. Just open it and describe what’s happening.
Summary
- Get the beta profile from Apple’s developer site or manually flash with IPSW files.
- Backup before you dive in, just in case.
- Expect bugs, delays, and maybe some weirdness.
- Stay patient and report issues to help improve the beta.
Fingers crossed this helps—worked on a few setups, so maybe it’ll work for yours too.