Apple recently released the public beta of iOS 26, giving tech enthusiasts and curious users the opportunity to test out new features before the official release in the fall. The new iOS 26 brings, among other things, significant improvements to the iPhone lock screen, designed to provide a more personalized and intuitive experience from the moment you unlock it.
To install the iOS 26 public beta on your device, the process is simple and can be done directly from your phone’s Settings menu. Users should navigate to Settings ➡ General ➡ Software Update, then access the Beta Updates section and select iOS 26 Public Beta. After returning to the main Software Update screen, an “Update Now” option will appear, through which the preview version can be downloaded and installed.
While it's important to note that features in the iOS 26 public beta are subject to change before the final release, Apple announced that the current version includes five key new features for the lock screen. Full details are to be confirmed as the beta program progresses, but there is already talk of expanded background customization options, interactive widgets adapted to context, and notifications displayed in a revised format that combines utility with clean design.
In addition to the new visual elements, iOS 26 also seems to offer smart features, designed to facilitate quick access to essential information without unlocking the phone. Apple is experimenting, according to first impressions, with the integration of contextual notifications that can automatically adapt depending on the time of day or the user's activity, transforming the lock screen into a truly dynamic one.
Many users and developers have welcomed the release of iOS 26 public beta, emphasizing that early testing will help the community identify potential bugs and propose improvements before the update reaches all iPhone owners. Patience remains key, however: the final version of iOS 26 is scheduled for fall this year, and by then features may undergo adjustments or completely new options may appear as Apple refines the user experience.
For those who want to try out the new features of iOS 26, installation steps are already available, and the online community is actively discussing the potential of the five new elements on the lock screen. In this way, Apple strengthens its tradition of involving users and developers in the process of creating the next generation of iPhone software.
