The first public beta of the next-generation iPhone software has landed, but it took longer for iPhone 11 users. Here’s what happened.

With the iOS 26 public beta now out, you may have chosen to give the new software update a try ahead of its general release in the fall.

What these changes mean for you is that your technology experience may differ drastically depending on which type of phone you buy in the coming years.

Apple’s first iOS 26 public beta offers an early taste of a major software overhaul. Here are the biggest changes and features we tested.

OS 26 isn't quite ready to launch yet, but we're far enough along in the testing process that Apple is seeding the update out to millions

Apple introduced Visual Intelligence last year with the launch of the iPhone 16. At the time, it allowed users to take photos of objects around them and then use the iPhone's AI capability to search for them and find more information. Last month, Apple upgraded the experience by adding Visual Intelligence to the iPhone screen.

OS 26, the next iPhone operating system, has more to offer than just Liquid Glass. You can now store your passport, poll friends, and more

Apple's Liquid Glass makeover and expanded Apple Intelligence tools arrive this fall, but not every phone can make the leap.

In iOS 26, you'll get new tools for creating custom Genmoji using ChatGPT. According to Apple, "Genmoji and Image Playground provide users with even more opportunities for self-expression, including mixing their favorite emoji, Genmoji, and descriptions together to create brand-new images."

Unlike last year, several iPhone models won't be eligible to download the newest iOS when it makes its debut this fall. This trio of models first released in 2018 won't be coming to the iOS 26 party:

Apple released the first public beta of iOS 26 on July 24, more than a month after the company announced the next iOS version at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. That