Apple has released the release candidate for iOS 26. iPadOS 26, macOS 26 ("Tahoe"), watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 are also available as final preview versions. The release candidate marks the last step in the testing phase and corresponds in content to the version that will be released to all users worldwide starting September 15.
Since its launch at WWDC in June, a total of nine developer betas and several public betas have been distributed. This testing phase now concludes with the release candidate. This version is typically identical to the final version, which is rolled out worldwide one week later. The focus is no longer on new features, but on final tuning and preparation for the official rollout.
Stability and final optimizations
The development of iOS 26 has been primarily fine-tuning in recent weeks. The new features already introduced include the new Liquid Glass design, additional color variants for the default wallpaper, Adaptive Energy Mode on newer iPhone models, new ringtones, and redesigned animations. The camera app, the navigation bars in native apps, and the readability of notifications have also been adjusted. Furthermore, there is the revised blood oxygen function in conjunction with watchOS 26. The release candidate focuses on stability, bug fixes, and compatibility. No further visible changes are expected, as the feature set for the final release has been finalized.
Release on September 15
The final version of iOS 26 and the other systems will be rolled out worldwide on September 15. As usual, this date coincides shortly before the launch of the new iPhone generation. Users of all compatible devices will receive the update free of charge via software update.
- Apple Watch Series 11: All new features at a glance
- iPhone 17 Pro: New design, A19 Pro chip and 8x zoom
- iPhone Air: The thinnest iPhone with all-day battery life
- iPhone 17 with Center Stage camera and A19 chip introduced
- Apple Watch SE 3 unveiled: Price, features, and availability
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Innovation meets sustainability
- AirPods Pro 3: Apple's new top model for wireless audio
iOS 26 and Co.: An important step for the new software generation
iOS 26 ushers in a new software generation for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro, bringing a unified design, deeper Apple Intelligence integration, and numerous detailed improvements. The release candidate demonstrates that work on the major innovations is complete, and Apple is now focusing on a smooth launch. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
- iOS 26 brings five improvements for battery performance
- iOS 26: All new features in the Shortcuts app at a glance
- iOS 26: All new camera features at a glance
- iOS 26 at a glance: What's new in the Messages app
- Apple redesigns TV app: What's new in iOS 26
- iOS 26: All the new features and highlights of the Podcasts app
- iOS 26: How Apple fundamentally changes the phone app
- iOS 26: Everything about the new home screen with Liquid Glass
- iOS 26: All the new features around the Liquid Glass design
- iOS 26: 7 exciting AirPods features at a glance
- iOS 26: Everything you need to know about the new FaceTime features
- Genmoji in iOS 26: Apple gives the feature a major update
- iOS 26: Everything about the new games app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- iOS 26: The most important new features in the Photos app
- iOS 26: Beats and AirPods automatically pause when you sleep
- iOS 26: All Apple Music innovations at a glance
- iOS 26 expands the functionality of the HomePod
- Image Playground gets significantly better with iOS 26
- iOS 26 brings new screenshot features to the iPhone
- iOS 26: Five new lock screen features at a glance
- iOS 26 design change: Reduce transparency easily
- iOS 26: Create your own ringtones – without GarageBand
- iOS 26: All the new features for Notes and Reminders
- Apple's new Siri could be worth the wait
