iOS 26 is almost finished – Release Candidate coming soon

iOS 26 is in its final stages and most likely ready for release. Those currently using the public or developer beta essentially already have the version on their iPhone that will be officially released in September.

For years, Apple has followed a consistent pattern when it comes to the number of beta versions before a major iOS release. The testing phase usually ends after eight developer versions. iOS 26 is no exception. The software is already considered largely stable, and no major changes are expected.

No further betas in sight

There are virtually no visible differences between iOS 26 Beta 7 and Beta 8. A developer beta 9 is considered unlikely. In recent years, Apple has released eight betas for iOS 13 through iOS 18 before the release candidate version. Only in exceptional cases, such as iOS 12, have there been significantly more. Therefore, there is every indication that the current beta represents the final version of iOS 26.

Release candidate and final release date

Apple traditionally releases the release candidate immediately after the iPhone event. September 9 is currently considered the most likely date for iOS 26 RC. If that happens, the final version could be released for all devices a week later, on September 16. Anyone already working with the beta is essentially seeing what will soon officially run on all iPhones.

The iOS beta count at a glance

A look back shows how consistent Apple is with the number of betas.

iOS 26: 8 betas
iOS 18: 8 betas
iOS 17: 8 betas
iOS 16: 8 betas
iOS 15: 8 betas
iOS 14: 8 betas
iOS 13: 8 betas
iOS 12: 12 betas
iOS 11: 10 betas
iOS 10: 8 betas
iOS 9: 5 betas
iOS 8: 5 betas
iOS 7: 6 betas
iOS 6: 4 betas
iOS 5: 7 betas
iOS 4: 4 betas
iPhone OS 3: 5 Betas
iPhone OS 2: 7 Betas
iPhone OS 1: 0 Betas

iOS 12, in particular, stands out because Apple had to release twelve developer betas back then. The reason for this was, among other things, an annoying bug that constantly confronted users with warning messages. Such problems demonstrate why Apple sometimes goes beyond the bounds. So far, there are no indications of similar difficulties with iOS 26.

What follows the release

Even though iOS 26 is officially launching soon, Apple's work doesn't end there. A first patch release almost always follows a major update. Therefore, iOS 26.0.1 is virtually guaranteed. At the same time, the developer beta of iOS 26.1 shouldn't be long in coming. With this, Apple is continuing its usual strategy: quickly fix bugs while simultaneously preparing for the next features.

Exclusive features for new iPhones

The question remains whether all features of iOS 26 will be available on every device. In recent years, Apple has often reserved certain features exclusively for the latest iPhone generation. This time, too, certain new features may only run on the iPhone 17 and its variants. Which ones these will be, however, is currently unknown.

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iOS 26 is about to be rolled out

iOS 26 is virtually complete. The current beta very likely already corresponds to the final version, which will be released after the iPhone event in mid-September. With eight developer betas, Apple is right on track and demonstrates that the software is stable. Changes are unlikely until the official release. As usual, a quick bug fix update is likely after the launch, followed by the first iOS 26.1 beta. This makes it clear: The major iOS version of 2025 is imminent for its official rollout. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Harry Howitt)