Apple’s next big iPhone software update, iOS 26, is set to reach public beta this fall. A new report and the fourth developer beta’s release suggest that the public beta will arrive soon. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, “all indications are that iOS 26 should go into the public beta phase this coming week.” The typical timing for a public beta is around the middle of July, but due to the significant design overhaul in iOS 26, Apple may want to take extra time.
The fourth developer beta will likely match up with the public beta, and since it’s a later release than usual, it will be based on a more stable version. The Liquid Glass design tweaks are also expected to make their way into the public beta.
The expected release date for the public beta is either Tuesday, July 23, or Wednesday, July 24, depending on Apple’s final decision. The fourth developer beta has already been released, and if it lands on Monday, July 21, the public beta could follow on Tuesday.
A recent leak from an anonymous source suggests that the build numbers for the fourth developer betas will be identical to those previously reported, which points to a release of the public beta soon. Alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 public betas are also expected.
The general release date for iOS 26 remains in September, with no indication that it will be delayed due to the developer versions being on track.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/07/22/ios-26-public-beta-release-date-when-apples-new-iphone-update-goes-live-iphone-17-iphone-16-pro-max