Apple released iOS 26 Beta 2 to developers on June 23, 2025, just two weeks after the first beta debuted at WWDC 2025. This update brings refinements to the new Liquid Glass design and other features. If you’re a developer or eager to test the latest iPhone software, you can download it now. This post covers how to install it, what’s new, key iOS 26 features, and which devices support it.
How to Download and Install iOS 26 Beta 2
To try iOS 26 Beta 2, you need to be part of the Apple Developer Program. Here’s how to get started:
- Join the Apple Developer Program: Sign up for free at the Apple Developer website. Fill in your details, select “individual” as your entity type, and accept the agreement. No payment is needed for the free tier.
- Enable Beta Updates: On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Choose iOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Download the Update: Return to Software Update, and iOS 26 Beta 2 (build 23A5276f) should appear. Tap Download and Install to begin.
Note: Always back up your iPhone before installing beta software. Betas can cause app crashes or data loss. Check our guide on how to back up your iPhone for steps.
What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 2
iOS 26 Beta 2 introduces several tweaks based on feedback from the first beta. Here’s what’s changed:
- Control Center: The Liquid Glass buttons now have a more blurred, opaque background for better readability.
- Safari: The new tab button (“+”) is now at the bottom left in tab management view, matching iOS 18. The compact tab bar includes back and forward options.
- App Store: Product pages now have an Accessibility section, requiring developers to list supported features.
- Wallet App: Adds full order tracking support. Siri can scan Mail for order details, even for non-Apple Pay purchases.
- New Ringtone: A new “Alt 1” ringtone under Reflection is available in Settings > Sounds and Haptics.
- Radio Widget: A new Live Radio widget for Apple Music enhances CarPlay and Lock Screen access.
- Low Power Mode: Updated description clarifies it reduces background tasks, processing speed, display brightness, and more.
- Live Captions: “Transcribe Calls” is now “Save Call Transcripts” and alerts participants with a sound before transcribing.
- Passkeys: The sign-in window has a refreshed design.
- Lock Screen Widgets: Widgets can now be placed at the bottom of the Lock Screen.
- Wallpaper: The default iOS 26 wallpaper animates with spatial scene effects.
- Notifications: Unknown senders now use a blue badge instead of red.
- Accessibility: High Contrast mode adds new UI borders.
- Screenshots: “Ask” and “Image Search” options are more reliable.
- ChatGPT Integration: Requests are split into Image Limit and Other Requests categories.
Key Features of iOS 26
iOS 26, previewed at WWDC 2025, introduces major updates. Here are the highlights, based on Apple’s official announcement:
- Liquid Glass Design: A translucent, glass-like interface for app icons, widgets, and controls, offering a fresh look across the iPhone.
- Apple Intelligence: Features like Live Translation for Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, Visual Intelligence for screen content searches, and Genmoji for custom emoji creation. Available on iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 series.
- Phone and Messages: The Phone app has a unified layout with Call Screening and Hold Assist. Messages includes a folder for unknown senders, custom backgrounds, and polls.
- Apple Games App: A new hub for games, integrating Apple Arcade with over 200 titles.
- CarPlay Updates: Compact call views, Tapbacks, pinned conversations, and widgets for better in-car use.
- App Enhancements: Apple Music adds Lyrics Translation and AutoMix. Maps tracks Visited Places with encrypted route intelligence. Wallet supports installment payments and refreshed boarding passes.
Device Compatibility
iOS 26 requires an A13 Bionic chip or newer, supporting these iPhone models:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series (upcoming)
Older models like iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are not supported, as they use the A12 Bionic chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new features in iOS 26 Beta 2?
iOS 26 Beta 2 refines the Control Center, Safari, Wallet, and more. See the “What’s New” section for the full list.
How do I install iOS 26 Beta 2?
Join the Apple Developer Program, enable iOS 26 Developer Beta in Settings, and download from Software Update.
Is iOS 26 Beta 2 stable?
Beta software may have bugs, so it’s best for testing on secondary devices. The public beta in July 2025 may be more polished.
When will iOS 26 be released to the public?
The full release is expected in September 2025, likely with the iPhone 17 launch.
Which iPhones support iOS 26?
iOS 26 works on iPhone 11 and later models with an A13 Bionic chip or newer.
Conclusion
iOS 26 Beta 2, released on June 23, 2025, offers developers a chance to test new features and provide feedback. With updates to the Liquid Glass design and apps like Safari and Wallet, it builds on the first beta’s foundation. Install it on a secondary device to avoid potential issues. Stay tuned for the public beta in July and the full release in September. For more iOS updates, check our posts on preparing for iOS 26 or Apple’s latest announcements.
