Apple on Tuesday seeded to developers and the public the release candidates for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. This is usually the final step before new versions launch — which should happen next week.
The release candidates for iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 also went out on Tuesday.
iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 release candidates wrap up beta testing
At its Worldwide Developers Conference in June of each year, Apple unveils the next major updates for all its operating systems. WWDC25 was no exception, with the world getting its first look at iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, plus new OS updates for iPad, Apple Watch and more.
The beta testing process also began at WWDC25. Fresh betas came out periodically through the summer, and that process is very nearly finished. Release candidates are the last step in beta testing, giving third-party software developers and other beta testers one more opportunity to look over the final versions of operating systems before they’re introduced to average users.
So many changes coming soon
A highlight of Apple’s upcoming OSs is Liquid Glass, a sweeping design overhaul for iOS, macOS Tahoe, and more. But there are other changes as well, including a major revamp in iPadOS 26.
Release candidates give a sneak peek at Apple’s own description for its OS upgrades. The note for iPhone users says:
“iOS 26 brings a new design, intelligent experiences, and improvements to the apps you rely on every day. The new design with Liquid Glass brings a more expressive and seamless experience to your Lock Screen and Home Screen, as well as apps, navigation, and controls. Apple Intelligence is integrated into even more places, giving you the ability to learn more about the content on your screen, powering Live Translation features to help you communicate across languages, and unlocking new actions in Shortcuts so you can get more done fast. Updates to Phone and Messages help you stay connected while eliminating distractions like unwanted calls. iOS 26 also brings meaningful enhancements to Camera, Photos, Wallet, CarPlay, and so much more.”
For a list of enhancements to iOS 26 beta 7 — the last with noticeable modifications — as well as the earlier betas, check our rundown of the changes in iOS 26.
Apple release note for iPad users says:
“iPadOS 26 brings a new design, intelligent experiences, and big improvements to how you can be productive. A new design with Liquid Glass brings a more expressive and seamless experience to your Lock Screen and Home Screen, as well as apps, navigation, and controls. A powerful and intuitive new windowing system makes it easier to control, organize, and switch between app windows. Apple Intelligence is integrated into even more places, giving you the ability to learn more about the content on your screen, powering Live Translation features to help you communicate across languages, and unlocking new actions in Shortcuts so you can get more done fast. iPadOS 26 also includes big updates to managing files and working with audio and video, introduces new apps like Preview and Journal, and so much more.”
Get the release candidates today
The release candidates for iOS 26, macOS Tahoe can be downloaded now by registered members of Apple’s developer program. Those in Apple Beta Software Program can get the same RCs.
As these might be the final versions, those very eager to try Liquid Glass or the iPadOS redesign might consider installing them now, or perhaps this weekend.
Everyone gets iOS 26 next week
Based on years of previous Apple OS releases, the full version of iOS 26 is most likely to go out to iPhones around the world on September 15. The same date should bring macOS Tahoe 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26.