Today, Apple released iOS/iPadOS 26 Developer Preview Beta 9 (build number: 23A5336a) to iPhone and iPad users, just eight days after the last beta release. This update breaks the recent tradition of only eight beta releases for major iOS versions, becoming the ninth developer beta. Based on Apple's current release cadence, Beta 9 will likely be the last beta update before the release of the Candidate (RC), with the official release of iOS 26 expected in two weeks.
This update features a brand new design and powerful Apple Intelligence features, along with numerous improvements to apps like Phone, Messages, CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet. Previous releases included Beta 2, which improved Control Center readability and streamlined Safari menu organization; Beta 3 added opacity to the transparent tab bar, but Beta 4 reversed this change; and Beta 4 reintroduced notification summaries for News and Entertainment apps, a feature previously suspended due to concerns that it could alter the meaning of headlines. Additionally, Beta 5 restored the "Select" button in Mail, while Beta 7 added a "Drafts" section to the Messages app.
Regarding device compatibility, iOS 26 supports the iPhone SE (second generation) and iPhone 11 and above, but the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max will not support iOS 18. Notably, Apple's smart features are only available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 series. While older iPhones won't be able to experience the latest features, they will continue to receive security updates. Apple has confirmed that its fall event will be held at 1:00 AM Beijing time on September 10th, at which time the stable version of iOS 26 may be officially released.
