iOS 26 Beta: Liquid Glass & Apple Intelligence

Apple released the first iOS 26 developer beta (build 23A5260n) on June 9, 2025, exclusively for registered developers. It offers an early peek at the dramatic “Liquid Glass” design overhaul and upgraded on‑device AI tools coded into the new OS.

🔧 How to Install the Beta

1. Join the Apple Developer Program.
2. On an iPhone 11 or later, navigate to Settings → General → Software Update → Beta Updates.
3. Select iOS 26 Developer Beta and install it.
4. Important: Back up your phone—this is early software and may be unstable.

🎨 Liquid Glass Design: A Visual Revolution

The star feature is the Liquid Glass UI—a sweeping visual refresh described by Apple as its "broadest design update ever". Expect translucent, glassy overlays that dynamically reflect the environment, giving iOS a fresh, immersive feel across apps like Safari, Camera, Messages, and FaceTime.

🤖 Apple Intelligence: Smarter, On‑Device AI

Early hints of Apple Intelligence are baked into this beta, including:

• Live translation within FaceTime and Messages
• On‑device "Visual Intelligence" for smart photo analysis
• Genmoji, letting users generate custom emojis via AI

💻 Developer Tools: Foundation Models & SwiftUI

Apple also released Xcode 26 beta, including a new Foundation Models framework. It allows developers to integrate Liquid Glass elements and on‑device AI features into SwiftUI and UIKit apps.

⚠️ Caveats & System Requirements

This is a beta—and still has bugs. Apple explicitly warns about instability and missing features . Only iPhone 11 or newer is supported; older A12‑based devices are not eligible.

📅 Public Beta & Official Launch

A public beta via Apple Beta Program is expected mid‑July, with the final iOS 26 releasing this fall—likely around mid‑September, in conjunction with the iPhone 17 launch.

🏁 Final Take

iOS 26 isn’t just another update—it’s a visual and functional reset. Between Liquid Glass, Apple Intelligence, and enhanced developer tools, it signals Apple’s bold push into next‑gen software. Enthusiasts should tread carefully (and backup!), but it’s shaping up to be a defining release in Apple’s ecosystem.

Follow TechPickr123’s Insights section for follow‑up posts on iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and deep dives into Apple’s AI enhancements.