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iOS 26.2 launch appears imminent for iPhone, per leaker

iOS 26.2’s launch on iPhone appears imminent, perhaps arriving today, as a reputable leaker has just shared the apparent build numbers for the release.

Leaked build numbers indicate iOS 26.2 is about to launch

Last week Apple shipped the RC (release candidate) version of iOS 26.2 to beta testers. Typically the RC is expected to be the last unreleased version of a software update before it ships to the public.

Because of the RC’s timing, iOS 26.2’s launch today seemed likely.

But now, a reputable leaker makes an imminent launch for the update even more certain.

An anonymous leaker on X who has a strong track record reporting iOS software releases in advance has just posted build numbers for iOS and iPadOS 26.2.

In a sequence of posts, the account noted 23C52 and 23C54 as launch builds for iOS and iPadOS 26.2.

iOS 26.2 hero

The RC that debuted last week also had 23C52 as its build number.

It’s unclear why the X account shared two build numbers, but it’s possible one is exclusive to certain devices. For example, iPhone and iPad models with C1 or C1X modems might get a unique build.

In any case, if you’ve been waiting for the public launch of iOS 26.2 and its many new features, the wait should be over very soon.

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Avatar for Ryan Christoffel Ryan Christoffel

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.