iOS 26 Public Beta: Why You Might Want to Skip It
Apple’s iOS 26 public beta has arrived, giving adventurous users a glimpse of the company’s most ambitious mobile software yet. From the sleek Liquid Glass design to ChatGPT integration and seamless Continuity features across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, this update promises a futuristic experience.
But before you rush to install it on your primary iPhone, it’s important to remember that public betas are test software—and they come with bugs that can quickly turn excitement into frustration. After weeks of testing, here’s why you might want to wait for the official iOS 26 release later this year.
1. Battery Drain Is a Serious Issue
The iOS 26 public beta can significantly reduce battery life. Even light usage can drain the iPhone 16 Pro Max faster than expected, with some users reporting their phones dying after just a few hours of moderate activity. This can make using your device on the go a stressful experience.
2. Overheating Problems Persist
Alongside battery issues, overheating remains a common complaint. Actions like opening Apple Maps, changing iMessage backgrounds, or using Apple Intelligence features can make your iPhone warm quickly. Direct sunlight exacerbates the issue, sometimes causing the screen to dim or go black.
3. Third-Party Apps Can Break
One of the biggest downsides to installing a beta is unresponsive apps. Developers can’t release fully optimized updates until Apple finalizes the software. This can result in broken keyboards, missing functions in apps like carriers or banking apps, and frustrating usability issues.
4. Other Bugs to Watch Out For
If the above issues weren’t enough, here are other problems users have encountered in iOS 26 beta:
VPN incompatibility, which could disrupt remote work.
Random reboots, sometimes triggered by simple actions like taking a screenshot.
Carrier and eSIM issues, including difficulty activating new numbers.
While you can technically downgrade back to iOS 18, Apple Watch users face a catch: once the watch runs watchOS 26, it can’t be downgraded, leaving your devices temporarily incompatible.
5. Use Smart Transfer Before Experimenting with Betas
If you’re tempted to test iOS 26 beta despite the risks, backing up your data is essential. This is where Smart Transfer, a third-party file sharing and copy phone file data app, can make the process effortless.
With Smart Transfer’s secure file sharing feature, you can:
Securely back up your contacts, photos, videos, and files
Easily move data between iPhone and other devices, including Android
Avoid cloud dependency by transferring directly over Wi-Fi
By backing up your essentials with Smart Transfer first, you can test beta software without fear of losing important data.
6. Waiting for the Stable Release Is the Smart Move
While iOS 26 public beta gives an exciting preview of Apple’s upcoming features, it’s packed with battery, heat, and app reliability issues that can disrupt your daily workflow. If you rely on your iPhone for work, travel, or communication, skipping the beta is the safest choice.
Come this fall, Apple’s stable iOS 26 release will deliver the same futuristic experience—minus the headaches.
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