The iOS 26 public beta could arrive this week, bringing Liquid Glass and more to your iPhone

• The iOS 26 public beta could launch this week, a new report claims
• It’s slightly delayed compared to the usual public beta launch date
• That’s unlikely to push back the full iOS 26 release, expected in September

Since Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025, the iOS 26 developer beta has been available. However, if you’ve been dying to get your hands on the beta without needing a developer account, there’s good news: the public beta of iOS 26 is reportedly set to launch this week.

According to Bloomberg writer Mark Gurman’s most recent Power On newsletter ($/£), such is the case. “All indications are that iOS 26 should go into the public beta phase this coming week,” Gurman disclosed there.

Although it’s not the whole, ready-to-use release, which is anticipated in September along with the unveiling of the iPhone 17 range, it will introduce the upgraded iOS operating system to a far larger audience than it presently has.

• Also Check: The latest iPhone 17 Air battery leak is a worrying one – but iOS 26 could help

Gurman stated last week in a post on X that the iOS 26 public beta might debut on or around Wednesday, July 23. The Power On update that followed appears to indicate that Gurman is still optimistic about that timetable.

New features coming soon

Gurman’s study also mentioned iOS 27, which is scheduled for release in 2026, in passing. According to Gurman, Apple has already begun working on this software, which will mostly concentrate on features intended for the company’s foldable iPhone.

According to rumors, it will come in the second half of 2026 or possibly early 2027, and it would be Apple’s first attempt to overtake the top foldable phones available right now. Thus, Apple is under a lot of pressure to do it correctly, which may account for iOS 27’s early release.

The suggested July 23 launch date is a little later than normal because Apple has historically released its iOS public betas in the middle of July. “It makes sense that Apple would want to take a little extra time to get things right,” Gurman says, attributing this to the full-fledged Liquid Glass overhaul in iOS 26.

Gurman, however, is not worried about any repercussions from this postponed public beta release date, saying that it is unlikely to delay the release of iOS 26 in its entirety.

In addition to iOS 26, it is quite probable that Apple will simultaneously release the public betas of macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and an operating system update for the HomePod.

Along with a new Games app, enhanced security against spam calls, changes to Apple Intelligence, and more, the iOS 26 update introduces a completely redesigned look and feel with the Liquid Glass redesign.

You’ll soon be able to test them out for yourself as the public beta is reportedly starting this week. Just be sure to backup your iPhone beforehand in case something goes wrong.