Apple's iOS 26 brings the most dramatic iPhone update in over ten years, and these standout features prove it was worth the wait.

Assuming you're enrolled in the Apple public beta program, you can now grab the public beta directly on your iPhone. Just go to Settings, tap on General and select Software Updates. On that screen, tap on Beta Updates to find the iOS 26 beta.

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."

With the iOS 26 update, Apple introduced a bold new design language. There are, however, a handful of features that deserve more attention on your iPhone.

The iOS 26 public beta is now available, the next major update for iPhone software. iOS 26 brings an all-new Liquid Glass design, updates to your favorite iPhone apps and features, and much more.

First of all you'll need to install the iOS 26, iPadOS 26 or macOS 26 public beta from beta.apple.com. Once you've done that, open your AirPods case and let them do the usual connecting thing. If you then go to the AirPods page in Settings, you should see a message below the image of the AirPods telling you that beta software updates are available.

Want to try out the iOS 26 public beta on your iPhone? Before you do, Iyaz Akhtar shares the most important steps you need to take to protect your data. This video will walk you through the entire process of installing the iOS 26 beta,

If you're trying to decide whether or not to install the iOS 26 public beta on your iPhone, here are a few reasons it might not be a great idea.

Apple Intelligence may take a back seat to the Liquid Glass overhaul in iOS 26, but some time with the public beta reveals a few significant AI additions to the iPhone.