Apple’s next big iPhone software update, iOS 26, is set to go public with a first public beta. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this week could be the one when it arrives. The typical pattern is for the public beta to appear around mid-July, and this time it may be slightly delayed due to a more stable release basis.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman suggested that iOS 26 will enter the public beta phase by the middle of July. This could happen on Tuesday, July 22, or Wednesday, July 23, depending on when Apple releases the fourth developer beta version. Since the usual practice is for the third developer beta to be used as the basis for the public beta, but in this case, it seems likely that the fourth developer beta will match up with the public beta.
The latest update comes after an unprecedented re-release of the first beta just days after its initial release. Gurman believes that Apple may want to take a little extra time to get things right due to the significant design overhaul in iOS 26.
There’s another reason for the delay, which is the improved stability and tweaks made to the Liquid Glass design. This suggests that the fourth developer beta version will be closer to the final look of iOS 26. As a result, better software will be welcome when it becomes available in public use.
The general release date remains expected to be in September, but no official confirmation has been given yet. Gurman’s prediction is based on the pattern of previous releases and the need for Apple to get things right with this significant update.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/07/21/ios-26-public-beta-release-date-when-apples-new-iphone-update-goes-live-iphone-17-iphone-16-pro-max