How to Install iOS 26 Public Beta and Revert to iOS 18

Understanding iOS 26 Public Beta Risks

• ⚠️ iOS 26 public beta is unfinished software, meaning it may contain bugs and unexpected issues.
• 💡 Users should not install the beta without fully understanding the potential risks to their device and data.

Essential Pre-Installation Steps

• 📌 The most critical step before installing any beta is to back up your iPhone.
• 💾 This backup is essential because there is no direct way to uninstall the iOS 26 public beta; erasing and restoring from a backup is the only method to revert.
• ⚙️ To back up, navigate to Settings, search for 'backup', and select 'Backup Now'.
• 📝 Concurrently, sign up for the Apple beta program by creating an account and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
• ⚠️ Ensure you create an archive backup as a final safeguard before proceeding.

Installing the iOS 26 Public Beta

• 🚀 After backing up, go to Settings > General > Software Updates.
• 📲 Select 'Beta Updates' and choose the desired beta version to download and install.
• ⏳ The installation process can take approximately 55 minutes.

Reverting from iOS 26 Public Beta

• ⏪ To uninstall the beta and return to a previous iOS version (like iOS 18), you must erase and restore your device.
• 🧹 This process will clear all apps, data, Find My, and Wallet information.
• 💻 Connect your iPhone to a computer using a cable.
• ⚠️ Put your iPhone into recovery mode by quickly pressing and releasing volume up, then volume down, and then holding the side button until the recovery screen appears.
• 🔄 On your computer, select 'Restore' and then 'Restore and Update' to revert your iPhone to its factory settings.
• 💾 Once the process is complete, you can restore your iPhone from the backup you previously created.