Apple has released the last public beta of iOS 26, only days before the official launch of the iPhone 17 series on September 9. The update serves as the closing stage of testing before the final version arrives with Apple’s next generation of devices. This rollout gives users one more chance to try the upcoming software before its wider release.

Apple first introduced iOS 26 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025. Unlike earlier releases, the company changed its numbering system by skipping versions 19 through 25. The new name now matches the year, which makes iOS 26 the designated version for 2025. Apple says the change aims to simplify version recognition for users.