Apple has released the ninth developer betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, arriving just a week after the eighth builds. The updates, currently limited to registered developers, can be downloaded via the Software Update section in Settings. A public beta is scheduled for July, with the final releases expected this fall.
The iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are some of the most anticipated in years, largely because they introduce Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language and expanded Apple Intelligence features. Both aim to refresh the look and feel of iPhones and iPads while adding AI-driven capabilities across apps.
In terms of functionality, Messages, Phone, Shortcuts, and Apple Music are among the apps receiving upgrades. Apple continues to integrate deeper intelligence into core apps, with smarter automation, context-aware suggestions, and more dynamic personalization.
For iPad users, iPadOS 26 brings one of the most significant changes yet: a new multitasking system that allows multiple app windows to be open simultaneously. This gives the iPad a more Mac-like experience and is expected to blur the line further between tablet and laptop productivity.
As always, Apple advises against installing beta builds on primary devices, as bugs and instability can still affect everyday use. Developers are encouraged to run these test versions on secondary devices dedicated to experimentation.
The ninth betas suggest iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are nearing their final form, with refinements now likely focused on polishing the UI and optimizing Apple Intelligence features ahead of the public launch later this year.
