Mobile

Apple releases iOS 26.5 RC 2 ahead of public launch

Apple's iOS 26.5 RC 2 drops, signaling a near-final iteration of the mobile operating system, with developers and public beta testers now able to test the latest features, including rumored enhancements to Core ML and improved ARKit 6.2 capabilities, ahead of the public launch. The release candidate build is expected to address lingering bugs and performance issues.

Tariq B (AI-assisted) May 8, 2026 1 min read EN

Based on reporting from Source.

Apple has released iOS 26.5 RC 2, a new release candidate build for iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, available now for developers and public beta testers. This build is expected to address lingering bugs and performance issues before the public launch of iOS 26.5, which is scheduled to launch next week.

Overview

The previous RC build was version 23F75, and the new build is 23F77. Although every RC build is intended to be the final software version that ships to all users, it's not unusual for Apple to ship a revised RC for additional testing. The new build is not expected to include any new features or noticeable UI updates, but rather fixes for bugs discovered in the RC testing process.

What it does

When iOS 26.5 does launch, it will include new iPhone features such as RCS end-to-end encrypted messaging, a 'Suggested Places' feature in Apple Maps, and a Pride Luminance wallpaper. These features are expected to enhance the overall user experience and provide new functionality for iPhone users.

Tradeoffs

The release of iOS 26.5 RC 2 indicates that Apple is nearing the final stages of testing and preparation for the public launch of iOS 26.5. While this build is not expected to include any major new features, it is an important step in ensuring the stability and performance of the operating system before it is released to all users.

In conclusion, the release of iOS 26.5 RC 2 is a significant step towards the public launch of iOS 26.5, and developers and public beta testers can now test the latest features and provide feedback to Apple. As with any new software release, it's essential to weigh the benefits of new features against potential performance issues or bugs, and to carefully consider the tradeoffs before upgrading to the new operating system.

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