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2d ago

Apple’s iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 Betas Hit Record Adoption

Free beta access coupled with a sweeping UI overhaul has driven the fastest adoption for Apple’s next-generation operating systems yet.

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Overview

  • Tim Cook announced during Apple’s Q3 earnings call that iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 developer betas have outpaced all previous beta programs in uptake.
  • Public beta builds released on July 23 broadened testing beyond developers and likely pushed total installations even higher.
  • The Liquid Glass design delivers transparent, glass-like visuals and fluid animations across iPhone, iPad and Mac, sparking widespread interest.
  • Apple’s 2023 decision to waive the $99 annual developer fee has allowed anyone with an Apple Developer account to install betas at no cost.
  • iPadOS 26 introduces a macOS-style menu bar and universal windowing on every iPad model, enhancing productivity ahead of the full September launch.