Apple has officially launched the public beta versions of its upcoming operating systems across five major platforms: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26. These software updates, first unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025, are now available for download via the Apple Beta Software Program.
This year’s updates focus heavily on deeper integration across devices, powered by a unified design language Apple has dubbed “Liquid Glass”. The goal is to deliver a seamless user experience from iPhone to Mac, with smarter features and a consistent interface.
New features across Apple’s platforms
Each platform in the Apple ecosystem is receiving tailored upgrades. iOS 26 introduces a range of AI-powered features under Apple Intelligence, including Live Translation for Messages, FaceTime and standard phone calls. The feature also extends to Apple Music with the addition of Lyrics Translation. A new addition, Apple Games, provides a dedicated storefront for mobile games.
iPadOS 26 brings a more flexible multitasking experience. Users can now resize and move app windows freely, enhancing productivity. A redesigned menu bar at the top of the screen brings the iPad closer to the macOS user experience. The Files app has also received a major overhaul, now offering a new List view for easier navigation and organisation.
On the Mac, macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a significantly upgraded Spotlight search. It now supports playing music directly, executing shortcuts such as note creation, and accessing the clipboard history to retrieve previously copied content. These improvements are expected to streamline workflows and make everyday tasks more efficient for users.
tvOS 26 offers new entertainment-focused enhancements. With the ability to use an iPhone as a handheld microphone, Apple TV users can enjoy karaoke-style sessions via Apple Music. Live Captions have also been added to support real-time translations. This feature includes support for several languages such as Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, German and Spanish.
watchOS 26 focuses on health and fitness, introducing Workout Buddy, a personalised exercise assistant. This feature leverages workout history and Apple Intelligence to offer customised fitness insights. However, it requires an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone nearby to function. Additional updates to the Smart Stack feature and notification system make the Apple Watch even more responsive and helpful during daily use.
No public beta for visionOS 26
Apple has clarified that visionOS 26 will not be included in the public beta programme. Instead, users of the Vision Pro headset who are interested in trying the upcoming version will need to install the developer beta. This restriction ensures that only experienced users, likely with development expertise, engage with early-stage software for the new spatial computing platform.
How to access the public betas safely
To access any of the public betas, users must enrol in the Apple Beta Software Program. This free programme allows users to test pre-release software and offer feedback that helps Apple improve future versions.
Before installing a beta version, users are strongly encouraged to back up their devices. Since beta software is still in development, it may contain bugs or performance issues. As such, it is advisable not to install beta versions on a primary device used for daily tasks.
