Apple has seeded the Release Candidate (RC) versions of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 to developers and public beta testers. This is the final step in the beta cycle before the updates are officially rolled out to all users on September 15. The RC build is effectively the same version that will become available publicly, unless Apple discovers critical issues that require a quick fix.
The RC stage is an important milestone because it allows Apple and developers to finalize preparations for launch. Developers can ensure their apps are stable on the near-final build, while Apple gets one more chance to confirm overall performance and reliability. RC releases typically come just days before a public rollout and are almost always identical to the software that will be shipped to millions of devices.
For those running earlier betas of iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, the RC can be installed directly from the Software Update section in Settings. Since it mirrors the release version, testers will already be using the same build that regular users will receive on September 15. This means any app feedback or bug reports filed now are particularly valuable, as they directly reflect the launch-day experience.
Apple has been testing iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 throughout the summer, releasing multiple betas to gather developer feedback and improve stability. The RC build follows the ninth beta, keeping with Apple’s typical release timeline where the final candidate is issued shortly before the general availability date.
When the updates officially arrive next week, users will be able to install them over-the-air through Settings on iPhone and iPad. As usual, the release will roll out gradually across regions, but most users can expect access on the same day. The September 15 launch will also coincide with the release of the new iPhone 17 lineup, which will ship with iOS 26 pre-installed.
By reaching the RC stage, Apple has essentially locked in the software version that will define its mobile platform for the coming year. While the RC itself does not introduce new features, it represents the final confirmation that Apple is ready for the public release. For testers and developers, it’s the last chance to validate compatibility before iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 go live worldwide.
