Apple kicked off the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta just in the nick of time last month.The company met its self-imposed July deadline after shipping four developer betas instead of the usual three.With Apple’s redesign direction back on track, we’re now seeing the second iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta release become available.
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta 2 For iPhone and iPad users on the public beta train, simply go to the Settings app > General section > Software Update to look for the over-the-air updates to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta 2.The second public beta release follows the fifth developer beta release of the pre-release software.Apple is expected to release the final versions of the iOS 26.0 and iPadOS 26.0 in September.
We’ll likely see iOS 26.0.1 and maybe even an iOS 26.1 developer beta around the same time next month.iOS 26 public beta 2 should echo or resemble what we see in iOS 26 developer beta 5.If so, the release will bring a number of tweaks, including a new toggle to adjust the Camera mode swipe direction, the return of the Select button in Mail, a redesigned AirDrop icon, and a handful of other changes.
Curious about trying iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta on your iPhone and iPad? You can go to beta.apple.com to sign up today.It’s free to sign up, and joining the public beta should automatically put the option to update in the Software Update section of the Settings app on your device.In-depth public beta previews For a recap of 9to5Mac’s public beta previews, check out these stories: iOS 26 public beta now available with new design and more iPadOS 26 public beta is here, and full of powerful new features macOS Tahoe 26 public beta now available, here’s everything new, install guide watchOS 26 public beta brings smarter workouts and app upgrades tvOS 26 public beta is now available, here’s all the new features for Apple TV HomePod 26 public beta launches with these new features Check out these great accessories Apple AirTag | Add Find My tracking to anything Beats USB-A to USB-C Cable | The official CarPlay cable Wireless CarPlay Adapter | No more plugging in required AirPods 4 | Apple’s most affordable AirPods with ANC You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.
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