This subtle sign hints at imminent iOS 26 public beta launch

Although Apple has already started rolling out the iOS 26 beta for developers, its official launch for the wider user base is still on hold. Still, one subtle sign has hinted that we might not need to wait for much longer to experience the anticipated release.

As it happens, an anonymous leaker with a proven track record for genuine information has shared on their X account multiple alleged build numbers for the fourth developer betas of iOS 26 and more, according to a report published by MacRumors on July 21.

Specifically, the build numbers included iOS26 and iPadOS 26 beta 4 (23A5297i), macOS 26 beta 4 (25A5316i), tvOS 26 and HomePod Software 26 beta 4 (23J5316g), watchOS 26 beta 4 (23R5317g), and visionOS 26 beta 4 (23M5300g).

iOS 26 public beta launch countdown

Indeed, per the report, this account often shares build numbers for betas around one day before they come out, which means that the fourth developer betas of the above updates could come out today, July 22. After that, we can expect the first public betas of the updates the day after, July 23, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

That said, we won’t get a visionOS 26 public beta, if Apple’s beta website is any indicator.

Meanwhile, Apple accidentally made the macOS 26 public beta available to some users for a short time on July 21, and the build number corresponded to the one listed above for the fourth developer beta of macOS 26. This means that the first public betas will probably be the same as the fourth developer betas.

As a reminder, Apple did originally say it would release the public betas in July, though it didn’t offer a more specific timeframe. Additionally, the technology giant is planning to offer a public beta of its next major AirPods firmware update. 

If you want access to the public betas when they become available, you can sign up to be a member of the Apple Beta Software Program for free. Just make sure to back up your device before installing beta software as a fallback should you encounter issues.

Earlier, developers have started to receive access to the new system, which Apple has previewed on WWDC 2025, showing a new Liquid Glass interface design and changes in the apps, like the Phone, Messages, FaceTime, and CarPlay – among others. However, the company said at the time that the upgrade will come out this fall.