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    How to download the iOS 26 beta on your iPhone right now (and which models support it)

    How do I install the iOS 26 public beta?Once Apple releases the public beta of iOS 26, you will not need to go through the above steps to to test the developer beta. Instead, follow the steps below. You’ll still need an iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later, and since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 26, you’ll also need a model newer than the iPhone 11.Go to your iPhone’s Settings and select General.Go to Software Update in Settings.Enable Beta Updates (off by default).Select “iOS 26 Public Beta” (if available).Once you do this, return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it. You’ll then begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 26.  Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26? Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of supported devices with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is compatible with the new operating system, including the iPhone SE. Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to iOS 26 (and which ones don’t support it) When will iOS 26 be released? The iOS 26 developer beta (Beta 3) is available now. The public beta will likely go live mid-July 2025. If Apple follows its usual cadence, the final, general release of iOS 26 should arrive in September 2025. What to do before installing the iOS 26 developer beta? You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. 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 iPhone.Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iOS.How to submit beta feedback to AppleBy the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions of iOS: iOS 26 public beta and iOS 26 developer beta. Both betas come with a built-in Feedback Assistant app, which can be opened from the Home screen on your iPhone or iPad. Whenever you experience an issue or something does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.Also: Five iOS 26 features that I’ve been using on my Android phone for yearsEditor’s note: This article was originally published in 2024. 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

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    Can a Linux laptop replace my MacBook? This one is off to a good start

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Tuxedo Computers InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen 9 is available now on the official site for around $1,137. This laptop outperformed my expectations in every way, with a powerful CPU and a gorgeous display. It’s manufactured in Europe, so use caution when selecting your keyboard during the order process. –> I […] More

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    Yes, Motorola’s $1,300 Razr Ultra competes with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 (and not just in price)

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The $1,300 Motorola Razr Ultra is a high-performance flip phone with a unique design. Key upgrades make it a compelling option for foldable (and compact) phone enthusiasts, such as the 65W charging speed and 50MP ultrawide lens. The 4,700mAh battery looks great on paper, but yields average endurance from our testing. […] More

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    My top 6 open-source Android apps from the Google Play Store – and why that’s important

    Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images Android and open source are closely intertwined. In fact, most open-source fans I know also use Android. Coincidence? I think not. One nice thing about Android is that the Google Play Store has lots of open-source software. That’s not to say every single open-source title is worth your time and […] More

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    Best Prime Day TV deals: Last chance on Sony, LG, and more

    It’s the final hours of the Amazon Prime Day sale. But don’t worry, you can still find hundreds of markdowns on TVs, home audio, and accessories to help you create the home theater of your dreams — without breaking your budget. Get daily deals straight to your inbox during Prime Day when you sign up for ZDNET Recommends, your one-stop newsletter for the sale.You’ll find discounts sometimes of over 50% on big brands like Sony and LG, as well as smaller brands like TCL and Roku. Amazon also has deals on its lineup of Fire TV models. Other retailers like Best Buy More

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    Best Prime Day Amazon Echo device deals: My 20 top sales that end tonight

    When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? Amazon is holding its annual Prime Day sales event this July and, for the first time, it will last four days instead of two, starting on July 8 and ending on July 11.Are Echo devices really cheaper on Prime Day? Yes, Echo and other Amazon devices get the biggest markdowns during the Prime Day sales event. As a smart home reviewer who always looks for great deals, I’ve purchased a few Echo devices during Prime Day events for this very reason.How did we choose these Prime Day deals?ZDNET cares greatly about curating the best deals for our readers, ensuring we only feature the deals worth your hard-earned money. We combine our experience testing different smart home products and looking for deals to give you the best offerings currently available, so you can be sure that a deal featured on ZDNET is a good one.What are the best Prime Day deals so far?ZDNET’s experts are searching through Prime Day sales to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best deals from other retailers competing with Prime Day sales: More