iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe Public Betas Launching in July - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe Public Betas Launching in July

While the new software updates that Apple showed off today are only available to developers at the current time, Apple does plan to release public betas.

apple beta 26 lineup
In the fine print for most of its software announcements, Apple says that public betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 will be coming "next month," aka July. Apple has been releasing public betas during July for quite some time now, as the timeline allows for a few rounds of developer beta testing for feature refinements before a wider beta rollout.

So when in July will we get the public beta? Here are Apple's past release dates:

  • iOS 18 - July 15
  • iOS 17 - July 12
  • iOS 16 - July 11
  • iOS 15 - June 30
  • iOS 14 - July 9

Apple tends to aim for around the middle of the month, so we could get the public betas the week of June 14, but the week before is a possibility too. The public beta usually follows the second or third developer beta, depending on timing and what needs to be fixed and refined.

Apple will provide public betas of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, HomePod Software 26, and the AirPods firmware. Apple doesn't typically provide beta firmware updates for public beta testers, but the company's beta website says it will be an option. Apple doesn't plan to offer a visionOS public beta, and that update will remain limited to developers.

After the developer beta and the public beta testing period, the new software updates will see a public launch in the fall.

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple's Next Era Begins September 1

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:36 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after 15 years of leading the company. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company,...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in September With These 10 New Features

Saturday May 9, 2026 6:03 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...
Apple Watch Series 10 Jet Black Touch ID

Apple Watch Series 12 and watchOS 27: What to Expect Later This Year

Friday May 8, 2026 2:07 pm PDT by
While not too much has been reported about the next Apple Watch models, there are a few rumors about potential design changes and watchOS 27 features. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are expected to be released in September, and we have outlined some of the key rumored hardware and software changes below. A new Apple Watch SE is not expected this year, as that model was...

Top Rated Comments

Blackstick Avatar
12 months ago
Appleseed for IT here.

It’s definitely a new look. iPad feels much like a MacBook if you’ve got a keyboard/trackpad style Smart Cover. Spooky. App Store is understandably unstable. When apps crash they invoke crash reporter, like a Mac. This is shockingly close to macOS on an iPad. They basically ported it.

macOS looks quite glassy. It does feel like a Vision Pro interface much of the time. Lots of emphasis on round-rects. There’s a retro feeling aqua vibe to it, almost like a modern take on 2002 era OSX Jaguar.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
its that time of the year again where every other article on every apple site is about beta updates
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
On Dev 1: Glass is fugly. :rolleyes:
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
Might download the public beta this year and try it instead of waiting till September. Cannot wait to try it out.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SanderEvers Avatar
12 months ago

On Dev 1: Glass is fugly. :rolleyes:
Everytime a company makes a drastic UI change people are getting mad about it. It's very natural, change is difficult.

To me tbh, I thing the liquid glass looks fine. It's not that much of a change. But it's nicely integrated across all OSes.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yamcha Avatar
12 months ago
Really wishing I had a Mac about now. Mac OS Tahoe looks amazing.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)