If you’re looking for the iOS 26 RC (Release Candidate) download and expected release date, here’s everything known so far about it.
Apple now seems set on releasing a new beta version of iOS 26 every week or so, after sticking to the two-weekly cycle until the release of beta 6. However, with the first Release Candidate now set to be the next release, that’s likely to change.
The iOS 26 beta 8 release was made available for download on Monday, August 25. It’s thought that this is likely to be the final non-RC update.
While Apple is yet to confirm its exact iOS 26 release schedule, we do expect that it will be released to the public in the middle of September. It’s also thought that Apple will announce the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9.
With that in mind, it’s likely that Apple will release the iOS 26 RC update following that September 9 event, ahead of a final release to the public a week later – and just days before the new iPhones officially go on sale.
If Apple does indeed release the first RC, we suggest that version will be the final release barring any further issues. For that reason, we believe you could probably install iOS 26 RC without too many issues – and certainly few issues that are likely to be fixed when the final iOS 26 release arrives around seven days later.
Have you installed iOS 26 beta or public beta on your own iPhone? How’s it working for you so far? Sound off about it in the comments section below.
Apple now seems set on releasing a new beta version of iOS 26 every week or so, after sticking to the two-weekly cycle until the release of beta 6. However, with the first Release Candidate now set to be the next release, that’s likely to change.
The iOS 26 beta 8 release was made available for download on Monday, August 25. It’s thought that this is likely to be the final non-RC update.
While Apple is yet to confirm its exact iOS 26 release schedule, we do expect that it will be released to the public in the middle of September. It’s also thought that Apple will announce the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9.
With that in mind, it’s likely that Apple will release the iOS 26 RC update following that September 9 event, ahead of a final release to the public a week later – and just days before the new iPhones officially go on sale.
If Apple does indeed release the first RC, we suggest that version will be the final release barring any further issues. For that reason, we believe you could probably install iOS 26 RC without too many issues – and certainly few issues that are likely to be fixed when the final iOS 26 release arrives around seven days later.
Have you installed iOS 26 beta or public beta on your own iPhone? How’s it working for you so far? Sound off about it in the comments section below.