By Anna Sherry

Updated on 2025-06-13

100 % Helpful

iOS 26 Download for iPhone – Complete Guide to Install or Upgrade

By Anna Sherry

2025-06-13 / iOS 26

iOS 26 is here — bringing a fresh design, smarter AI features, and a smoother experience for iPhone users. Whether you're a developer, beta tester, or just excited to try the latest features, the iOS 26 download is now available.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know:

What’s new in iOS 26
Which devices support iOS 26
How to install iOS 26 safely (with or without a computer)
How to downgrade from iOS 26 if you run into issues

Let’s get started.

Part 1: What’s New in iOS 26

Apple introduced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and it’s packed with upgrades:

Smarter AI interactions system-wide

Liquid Glass Design on iOS 26

Custom message backgrounds in iMessage

Enhanced privacy settings

Visual redesigns across stock apps

Automix and lyrics translation on Apple Music

iOS 26 Release Date: Official Timeline

Developer Beta: June 2025 (available now)
Public Beta: July 2025 (expected)
Official Release: September 2025 (with the new iPhone launch)

iOS 26 Supported Devices:

Not every iPhone will support iOS 26. Here’s a list of compatible models:

Part 2: How to Download and Install iOS 26 – 3 Simple Methods

Before upgrading, make sure your iPhone is fully charged, has at least 10GB of free space, and is connected to stable Wi-Fi. You’ll also want to back up your data via iCloud or iTunes, just in case.

Now let’s go through three reliable ways to download and install iOS 26.

Method 1: Install iOS 26 Instantly with ReiBoot (No iTunes Needed)

If you’re looking for a fast, beginner-friendly way to install iOS 26 without using iTunes or dealing with complicated IPSW files, Tenorshare ReiBoot is your best option.

It lets you upgrade to iOS 26 with one click — and if you ever want to roll back or fix system glitches during the update, ReiBoot can handle that too.

Why Choose ReiBoot?

One-click iOS 26 install — no iTunes, no IPSW
Easily downgrade from iOS 26 to 18
Fix update issues like black screen, stuck logo, boot loops
No data loss with "Standard Repair" mode
Works with all iPhone models and iOS versions, including iOS 26 beta/public

How to Use ReiBoot to Install iOS 26:

Download and install ReiBoot. Then, connect the iPhone/iPad to the same PC. Choose "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" on the interface.
You’ll see two options on the screen: Upgrade and Downgrade. Choose "Upgrade".
Click on "Download" to let ReiBoot download the latest iOS 26 firmware. ReiBoot will automatically detect the correct firmware package for your device.
Once the firmware is ready, click "Initiate Upgrade.""
Your iPhone will reboot with iOS 26 installed — no data lost, no headaches.

Watch the video guide to see how to download & install iOS 26.

Method 2: Get iOS 26 Beta via Apple's Official Developer Settings (No PC Needed)

If you're already enrolled in the Apple Developer Program (even with a free account), you can download the iOS 26 Developer Beta directly from your iPhone — no computer or profile download required.

Note:

An iPhone running iOS 16.4 or later
A registered Apple Developer account (free or paid)

Let's see how to download iOS 26 by Apple Developer Program:

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Tap "Beta Updates."

If the listed Apple ID is not your developer account, tap it and log in with the correct one.
Select "iOS 26 Developer Beta."
Go back to the Software Update screen.
When the update appears, tap "Download and Install."

Not a Developer Yet? Here’s How to Join for Free

You don't need to pay for the full Apple Developer Program to access iOS beta versions — the free tier is enough.

Here's how to enroll:

On your iPhone or computer, go to developer.apple.com.
Tap Account and sign in with your Apple ID.
Accept the Apple Developer Agreement to finish enrolling in the free developer tier.
Once enrolled, make sure you’re signed into this Apple ID on your iPhone.
Follow the steps above to enable Beta Updates in Settings.

Method 3: Install iOS 26 Manually Using IPSW and Finder/iTunes

For advanced users, downloading the iOS 26 IPSW file and using Finder or iTunes is a traditional but more hands-on method. Let's see how to download iOS 26 manually:

Visit ipsw.me and download the iOS 26 IPSW file for your device.

Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB.
Open:

Finder (macOS Catalina or later)
iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier)

Click on your iPhone’s icon, then hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click "Check for Update."

Select the IPSW file you downloaded.
Confirm, and your device will install iOS 26 and reboot when complete.

Note:

This method won't work unless Apple is still signing the iOS 26 IPSW file.

Part 3: How to Downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18

Tried iOS 26 and ran into bugs, battery drain, or app crashes? You’re not alone. Since it’s still in beta (or freshly released), stability issues are common. Luckily, you can downgrade your iPhone back to a previous iOS version — but there’s a catch: Apple must still be signing the version you want to return to.

The easiest way to roll back is by using Tenorshare ReiBoot. It helps you downgrade from iOS 26 to 18 without iTunes, without needing IPSW files, and — best of all — without losing your data.

Watch this video to see how it works:

Whether you're dealing with iOS 26 bugs or just miss how your phone worked before, ReiBoot makes it easy to go back.

Final Thoughts

iOS 26 brings a lot of exciting features, but it’s not always perfect — especially in beta. Whether you're upgrading, testing, or rolling back, using the right tools can make the process smooth and safe.

If you want the easiest way to:

Upgrade to iOS 26 without iTunes
Fix iOS system issues
Downgrade iOS 26 to a stable version

Then Tenorshare ReiBoot is a solid all-in-one solution worth considering — even if you're new to iPhone troubleshooting.

downloads :

Tenorshare ReiBoot - Fix iOS Issues

rated on Trustpilot >

Repair iPhone system issues like boot loops, black screens or apple logo effortlessly.
Easily upgrade or downgrade your iOS without data loss – no tech skills needed.