Apple has just released the iOS 26 RC (release candidate) for beta testers. Here’s what that means.
Release candidate for iOS 26 available now for testing
All throughout the summer, iOS 26 has been in beta testing with developers and opt-in members of the public.
Now today, following its iPhone 17 event, Apple has released the RC version of iOS 26.
iOS 26’s RC is expected to be the final beta release before the update’s wide launch next week.
This “release candidate” is available for users running the iOS 26 beta, and should offer the most stable, feature-complete version of the new software yet.
Even though the RC is intended to be the final software version that ships to all users, that may not end up being the case.
For example, if Apple discovers any critical bugs that need to be fixed before the public launch, it might ship a second RC build to testers. That could happen as early as the next few days.
Ultimately though, today’s iOS 26 RC brings the next iPhone software update as close to its final shipping version as we’ve seen to this point.
If you’ve not yet installed the iOS 26 beta but want to get a head start on your friends, today’s release is the best way to do that.
In most cases though, users who aren’t yet running the beta are better off waiting until the official public launch for the best possible experience.
Have you noticed anything new in the iOS 26 RC? Let us know in the comments.
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