Apple has started rolling out the Release Candidate versions of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 to beta testers. These updates come one week after the release of the fourth developer betas. iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Beta 1 had re-enabled support for end-to-end encrypted RCS communication between iPhone and Android devices, added Suggested Places in Apple Maps, and more, while Beta 2 included a new Splash Screen in iOS 26.5 upon opening the Apple Maps app for ads.
Here are the build numbers for the Release Candidate versions:
- iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 RC: 23F75
- macOS Tahoe 26.5 RC: 25F71
- watchOS 26.5 RC: 23T570
- visionOS 26.5 RC: 23O471
- tvOS 26.5 RC: 23L471
Unfortunately, iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include any new Apple Intelligence features as we expected previously. We can now expect new AI features only with the release of the betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and more, which are set to debut in June at WWDC 2026.
We can expect the final release for versions 26.5 to be rolled out after one week to the public. Users who are registered as a developer on www.developer.apple.com can opt in to receive beta updates and RC updates by going into Settings>General>Software Update>Beta Updates and selecting Developer Beta.
Did you find any more features in these updates? Let us know down in the comments or write to us on @appleosophy! Be sure to download the Appleosophy App from the App Store or visit our website to stay updated with the latest Apple news!
