Eliana Willis

How do I install the iPadOS 26 public beta?Once Apple releases the public beta of iPadOS 26, you will not need to go through the above steps to to test the developer beta. Instead, you can follow the steps below. You’ll need an iPad running iPadOS 16.4 or later.Go to your iPad’s Settings and select General.Tap Software Update.Enable Beta Updates by choosing the iPadOS version you’d like to access.Select iPadOS 26 Public Beta. Your iPad will then receive automatic updates to the latest public beta version as it’s released. Which iPads are compatible with iPadOS 26? You’ll need an iPad with iPadOS 16.4 or later, which means one of these models: iPad Pro (M4)iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)iPad Air (M3)iPad Air (M2)iPad Air (3rd generation and later)iPad (A16)iPad (8th generation and later)iPad Mini (A17 Pro)iPad Mini (5th generation and later)Also: Every iPad model that supports iPadOS 26 (and which ones won’t be compatible) When will iPadOS 26 release? Apple released the third developer beta of iPadOS 26 on July 7, exclusively for registered developers. The public beta is expected to go live in July, opening up early access to anyone to test. The final general release is slated for this fall, most likely in September. Also: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to ditch my MacBook for an iPad. Here’s why What to do before installing the iPadOS 26 developer beta? You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iPadOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind: Back up your device and personal information.Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPad.Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iPadOS.How to submit beta feedback to AppleBy the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions of iPadOS: iPadOS 26 public beta and iPadOS 26 developer beta. Both come with a built-in Feedback Assistant app, which can be opened from the Home screen on your iPad. When you experience an issue or something does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.Editor’s note: This article was originally published in June 2025. It was fact-checked and thoroughly updated on July 8, 2025.Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More

Jiojio/Getty Images Business is on a never-ending quest to boost efficiency, cut costs, and increase productivity. Some of the earliest known businesses — ancient Mesopotamian traders — inspired the invention of writing. (Record keeping — now that’s a competitive advantage!) Similar needs have existed in every economic period. The big difference now is that AI technology […] More

Wong Yu Liang/Getty Almost two-thirds (63%) of organizations are unsure they have the right data management practices for AI, according to research firm Gartner. This lack of readiness has an impact: the analyst predicts 60% of organizations will abandon AI projects through 2026. Also: 5 ways to be a great AI agent manager, according to […] More

How do I install the MacOS 26 public beta?Once Apple releases the public beta of MacOS 26, you will not need to go through the above steps to to test the developer beta. Instead, you can enroll your Apple ID in Apple’s Beta Software Program and:Open System Settings > General > Software Update.Click “Beta Updates” and select “MacOS 26 Public Beta.”Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install.Then you’ll begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest public beta version of MacOS 26.Which Macs are compatible with MacOS 26?You’ll need a Mac with Apple Silicon (not Intel) running MacOS 15, which is generally from after 2020. Here’s the complete list of compatible models: MacBook Air with Apple silicon (2020 and later)MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later)MacBook Pro (16‑inch, 2019)MacBook Pro (13‑inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)iMac (2020 and later)Mac mini (2020 and later)Mac Studio (2022 and later)Mac Pro (2019 and later)My Mac isn’t on that list, but I’m running Sequoia. Is it compatible?Unfortunately, some Macs from 2020 or before that are compatible with Sequoia won’t work with MacOS 26. The following models fall into that category: MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)iMac Pro (2017)Mac mini (2018)When will MacOS 26 release?Apple released the developer beta series during WWDC 2025 and seeded beta 3 (build 25A5306g) on July 7, 2025. The public beta is expected to drop in July, with the final general release launching this September.What should I do before installing the MacOS 26 beta?You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of MacOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind:Also: MacOS 26 envy? 4 best features that Windows PC users can already useBack up your device and personal information.Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday Mac. Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve MacOS.How to submit feedback to AppleBy the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions: MacOS 26 public beta and MacOS 26 developer beta. Both betas come with a built-in Feedback Assistant app. Whenever you experience an issue or something does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.Also: Your Mac is about to get a huge Spotlight upgrade – finallyEditor’s note: This article was originally published in June 2025. It was fact-checked and thoroughly updated on July 8, 2025.Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Oukitel WP300 is available now on Amazon for $425 with a $70 off coupon. This modular smartphone has built-in smartwatch and earbud components, as well as a very bright LED light. Like all Oukitel phones I’ve tested, the WP300 is thick, bulky, and very heavy. –> There are certain brands […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is on sale for $499. It excels as an inexpensive work laptop thanks to its comfortable keyboard and useful features in ChromeOS. Its lower-end touchscreen will limit usability for some. more buying choices I’ve been really curious to see how things have changed since my […] More

Tech prices are getting harder and harder to stomach, but there are times you can catch a break. Luckily, Best Buy More

Apple will launch iOS 26 in three phases: the developer beta, public beta, and finally, the official “general” release.Developer betaThe first developer beta of iOS 26 was released on June 9 during WWDC 2025. Following this, subsequent developer betas, including beta 3, were released.Public betaThe public beta is expected to start in mid-July.Apple typically opens its public beta program a few weeks after WWDC. For instance, last year’s iOS 18 public beta went live in mid-July. This program lets anyone — not just registered developers — test early software, helping Apple identify and fix bugs or performance issues before the final release.General releaseApple officially released iOS 18 out of beta on Sept. 16, just one week after its “Glowtime” event. Likewise, once iOS 26 completes its developer and public beta testing this summer, Apple is expected to roll out the final version to everyone this fall. More