Apple releases iOS 26 beta 7 for iPhone ahead of official launch

Apple releases iOS 26 developer beta 7, bringing new design and Apple Intelligence features to compatible iPhones

Apple has released the seventh developer beta version of iOS 26, signalling that the redesigned iPhone software is nearing its official launch, expected in about one month. The update introduces a fresh design, enhanced Apple Intelligence features, and several improvements across core apps and services.

According to Apple, iOS 26 delivers “a stunning new design, powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities, new ways to stay connected in the Phone and Messages apps, and exciting updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.” These changes aim to make the iPhone experience more intuitive, visually appealing, and connected.

Earlier beta versions of iOS 26 have progressively refined the interface and usability. Beta 2 focused on design adjustments, such as improved legibility in Control Center, better menu organisation in Safari, and enhanced accessibility options, including borders in High Contrast Mode. Beta 3 introduced some transparency changes to tab bars and added new wallpaper colours, while Beta 4 reverted these transparency tweaks and reintroduced notification summaries for news and entertainment apps. This was part of Apple’s efforts to improve the Apple Intelligence feature, which had been paused due to concerns over text summaries changing the meaning of headlines.

Beta 5 responded to user feedback by restoring the Select button in Mail, offering a toggle for the classic Camera mode swipe direction, and implementing other usability improvements. Beta 6 later removed the Camera swipe toggle but introduced faster animations, new ringtones, and additional refinements. The latest developer beta, Beta 7, is expected to closely match the future iOS 26 public beta 3, giving users an early look at the upcoming features.

iOS 26 will run on iPhone SE (2nd generation) and all models from iPhone 11 onwards. However, older devices such as iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max will not support the latest version’s new features and design. These older models will continue to receive security updates for some time. Features that rely on Apple Intelligence, such as advanced summarisation and smart suggestions, require the latest hardware, including iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 series device.

With iOS 26, Apple is emphasising both design and functionality improvements. Users can expect a smoother, more connected experience across system apps, greater customisation options, and better integration with Apple services. The update also strengthens accessibility and usability, ensuring that the iPhone remains adaptable for a wide range of users.