Just a week after rolling out iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and more, Apple has released the first developer betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS 26.1, alongside watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1. These early builds aim to tighten up stability, improve performance, and address bugs that surfaced after the initial releases, including camera glitches, faster-than-usual battery drain, and occasional overheating.
If you’re a registered developer, you can install iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 beta 1 directly over the air. On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings, go to General, then Software Update, tap Beta Updates, and select the latest developer build. Your Apple ID must be linked to your Developer Account for the beta to appear. The process is the same across iOS and iPadOS on supported devices.
On Mac, the first developer beta of macOS Tahoe 26.1 is available through System Settings using the standard Software Update flow. As with the mobile betas, you’ll need to connect your Apple ID to your Developer Account to receive the update over the air.
Apple has also pushed watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 beta 1 for developers. With this round, Apple is prioritizing polish and reliability; expect iterative updates over the coming weeks as feedback rolls in and the platforms are refined ahead of public releases.
If you’ve been dealing with issues on iOS 26 such as camera quirks, rapid battery drain, or heat buildup, keep an eye on these betas and the subsequent builds. Apple is actively working to resolve the underlying bugs, and broader fixes should arrive before the final 26.1 versions ship to everyone.
Quick tips for developers considering the update:
– Back up your devices before installing any beta.
– Install on secondary hardware if possible, as pre-release software can affect performance and app compatibility.
– Report any issues through the appropriate feedback channels to help accelerate fixes.
We’ll share more as Apple progresses through the beta cycle and gets closer to the public release of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS 26.1, and their companion updates.
