The terminology references the process of acquiring a pre-release version of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS, specifically version 26. The “beta” designation indicates this is a test version, distributed to developers and sometimes public testers before the official public release. An example would be a user attempting to enroll their device in Apple’s Beta Software Program to receive the iOS 26 beta software.
Accessing pre-release software allows developers to prepare their applications for compatibility with the upcoming OS. Early adopters may also be interested in experiencing new features and functionalities before the general public. Historically, beta programs have been crucial for identifying and resolving bugs and performance issues before a widespread launch, improving the final user experience.