How long should you wait before installing Apple’s betas?

Every year after WWDC, it’s tempting to jump straight into Apple’s latest beta releases. With iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and more now available in developer beta, curiosity runs high. But installing these early versions on your main device can be risky — and in many cases, simply not worth it.

Never install the first developer beta

The first developer betas are extremely unstable, especially for daily-use devices. They exist so that developers can test their apps and fix critical compatibility issues — meaning third-party apps are almost guaranteed to crash or malfunction. Even Apple’s own apps can behave unpredictably, with major bugs affecting basic functions like the keyboard or system UI.

Public beta 2 is the safer early option

If you’re eager to try out new features, public beta 2 is generally the first version stable enough for most users. By then, Apple has addressed the worst bugs from internal testing and developer feedback. But remember, “beta” still means “unfinished”, so crashes and performance issues are still very possible.

Wait for the full release if you need stability

For those who depend heavily on their devices — especially for work — waiting for the official fall release is the safest bet. Even then, many seasoned users prefer to hold off until the .1 update, when Apple has resolved the bugs discovered after launch.

Always back up before installing

No matter when you update, create a full backup just before installing any beta. If something goes wrong, it’s the only way to restore your device without losing data. Skipping this step can leave you stuck with bugs for weeks.