Fire sample for Liquid Glass: Public Beta of iOS, Ipados and MacOS 26 available

Apple extends the test circle for its 26 operating systems. Interested users have been able to install the first public beta of iOS 26, Ipados 26 and MacOS 26 on iPhones, iPads and Macs since Thursday evening.

The public pre-versions were released shortly after the fourth developer beta and later than usual. The manufacturer did not give one reason. The updates for the general public are expected to be released in autumn, probably in September.

Apple is still working on Liquid Glass

The Access to the public betas can be activated via Apple’s website. In addition to iOS, IPADOS 26 and MacOS TAHOE, Apple also offers preliminary versions of watchos, TVOS and HomePod software 26-as well as new beta firmware for Airpods 4 and Airpods Pro 2.

This means that Apple’s liquid glass design now has to face an audience of millions of normal users who take part in the public beta program. The manufacturer hopes for a wide range of faulty error reports and feedback. Apple has already made changes in the previous developer beta versions, but also with DEV Beta 4 there is again a lot of criticism of poor readability of controls. So far, the betas were only available for the participants in Apple’s development opera program, which is ultimately also open to everyone and is not necessarily a fee.

In addition to Liquid Glass, iOS brings 26 new functions for Apple Intelligence and standard apps such as news, telephone and memories. There are also basic extensions of the system, such as the possibility for apps, to complete tasks such as video export in the background. For the first time, users can switch the audio input source for apps to iPhones and iPads themselves. IPADOS 26 puts Apple on completely new legs with a more flexible window system.

Betas bring possible problems

Apple’s public betas usually run quite stable, but testers should still adapt to possible problems. These can range from cosmetic bugs to a reduced battery life to app crashes. Even more serious errors such as an iPhone completely paralyzed after installation are possible. Apple advises against installing the beta on devices that are “business -critical”. A current backup is also considered mandatory. It should be made before installing the beta so that it can be imported again after a downgrade.