iOS 26 Public Beta May Launch on July 23, Says Mark Gurman
Apple fans around the world are waiting for the iOS 26 public beta, and now we may finally have a release date. According to trusted Apple journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is targeting Wednesday, July 23, 2025, for the release of the much-anticipated public beta.
iOS 26 Developer Beta Already Out
Apple started testing iOS 26 with developers over a month ago. The company released iOS 26 beta 3 on July 7, but unlike in past years, the public beta didn’t arrive a week later.
Historically, Apple launches the public beta about one week after the third developer beta, but this year seems different.
Gurman responded to a user on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Next Wednesday,” when asked about the public beta’s delay. That means Apple may release it on July 23.
What Could Be the Reason for the Delay?
Apple hasn’t given any official reason for the delay. But beta testing is not always predictable. Apple might want to fix some bugs or optimize performance before releasing it to the general public.
Some users speculate that Apple could even release a revised beta 3, or launch developer beta 4 just before the public version. In previous years, Apple has followed a strict schedule, but this time, they may be taking extra caution.
What To Expect in iOS 26
If you haven’t been following the developer beta updates, here’s a quick list of features expected in iOS 26:
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Smarter Siri: With better AI, Siri understands context better and works offline more.
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New Control Center: Redesigned with customizable toggles and quick widgets.
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Improved Lock Screen Widgets: More widget options and interactions directly on the lock screen.
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Safari AI Summaries: Summarize articles and web pages using AI.
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Photos app enhancements: New tools to organize, search, and edit photos using AI.
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App Lock: Lock apps individually using Face ID or passcode.
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iMessage Upgrades: Scheduled sending and message editing improvements.
These features are currently being tested by developers and will be available to everyone once the public beta launches.
Should You Install the Public Beta?
Public betas are free and open to anyone with a compatible iPhone. But remember, these versions may have bugs. If you rely on your iPhone for work or school, it’s better to wait for the final release in September 2025.
If you still want to try it:
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Go to Apple Beta Software Program: https://beta.apple.com
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Sign in with your Apple ID
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Enroll your device
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Download and install the beta profile
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Update your iPhone via Settings > General > Software Update
Always back up your iPhone before installing any beta.
Will Developer Beta 4 Come First?
It’s unclear whether we’ll see iOS 26 developer beta 4 before the public beta. Normally, Apple sticks to a 7-day schedule between beta releases. So beta 4 could arrive on July 16—just a day before the rumored public beta.
But nothing is guaranteed this time. Apple may also roll out a revised beta 3 instead of a brand-new beta.
Final Thoughts
We’re now halfway through July, and Apple’s promised public beta release window is narrowing fast. All eyes are on July 23, thanks to Gurman’s prediction.
So far, developer beta testers report that beta 3 is stable, with some battery drain and minor bugs. If Apple fixes these issues, the public beta could offer a smooth experience.
Will you try the iOS 26 public beta on launch day? Or will you wait for the full release in September?
Let us know in the comments!
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