Download iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Beta 1 for iPhone and iPad

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 1 for iPhone and iPad is now available for download and installation. Here are all the details.

Download and Install iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Developer Beta 1 for iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPad Pro, iPad mini and More

Apple’s latest update for the iPhone and iPad for 2025-2026 has been officially announced. Though the update is feature-packed and looks fantastic, and you can read about it here, the first developer beta is now officially available for download.

Before you even go ahead and download the update, there is a checklist you need to go through before installing the beta.

Is Your iPhone and iPad Compatible with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26?

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 is supported by a handful of iPhone and iPad devices. You can check out the official list by going to this link, but for your convenience I’m posting it below:

iPhones Compatible with iOS 26 Beta

• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2 and newer

iPads Compatible with iPadOS 26 Beta

• iPad Pro (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)
• iPad Air (M3)
• iPad Air (M2)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (A16)
• iPad (8th generation and later)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Assuming your device is in the list, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Sign up to Apple’s Developer Program

If you’re already signed up to the Apple Developer Program, then you can skip this step. If you aren’t, then you must do so in order to download the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta updates.

The membership is free if you just want to test out the new betas, and you can sign up for it by going to this link. Just sign in with your Apple Account and you’re done.

However, you don’t have to sign up if you’re planning to test out the public beta instead which will be available after some time, just not today.

Backup Everything Using iCloud or Finder

Planning to install iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 on your primary iPhone or iPad? Then back up everything using iCloud or Finder. It will barely take a few minutes and ensure that your data remains safe and secure.

You will find the entire tutorial at this link.

Enable iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Developer Beta

Once your device is backed up, you have to enable the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 developer beta updates on your iPhone and iPad. In order to do that, follow these steps:

• Launch the Settings app.
• Tap on General.
• Tap on Software Update.
• Tap on Beta Updates at the top.
• Now select iOS 26 / iPadOS 26 Developer Beta.

Download iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Over the Air (Easy Method)

You can download and install the update over the air without losing your files or settings. This is the method most people follow so that they don’t have to start from scratch.

You will find all the details about it here.

Clean Install iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 (Difficult Method)

This method ensures maximum performance and a fresh start. However, it involves taking a proper backup, connecting your iPhone or iPad to your Mac, and a lot of patience.

You will find all the details about clean installation by going here.

Downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18

Yes, you can downgrade from iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. This involves putting your iPhone and iPad into DFU mode and then installing the iOS 18 or iPadOS 28 update.

It’s the only method available, and you can read all about it by going to this link.