RC Builds of iOS 26.5 & MacOS Tahoe 26.5 Released for Testing

A Release Candidate build for iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and MacOS Tahoe 26.5, has been released by Apple, to users involved in the Apple system software beta testing programs. Enrolled devices can find the RC builds available now.

Release Candidate (RC) builds are usually the final version of a beta test, that, absent any last minute issues, matches the final version that is made available to the general public. This implies the final versions of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and MacOS Tahoe 26.5, will be available to the broader public in the near future, perhaps this week or next.

According to release notes, iOS 26.5 includes support for End-to-End Encryption of RCS text messages, a new Pride wallpaper, and support for “Suggested Places” in Apple Maps (which appears to be the euphemism for advertising), alongside bug fixes and security updates. Presumably MacOS Tahoe 26.5 also receives support for encrypted RCS messaging, along with a few new emoji, bug fixes, and security enhancements.

How to Download iOS 26.5 RC / iPadOS 26.5 RC

Finding the RC build on an iPhone and iPad enrolled in the beta program is like a typical software update:

1. Open”Settings” app
2. Go to “General” and then “Software Update”
3. Download and install iOS 26.5 / iPadOS 26.5

How to Download MacOS Tahoe 26.5 RC

For a Mac enrolled in the beta program getting the RC build is like any other software update:

1. Go to “System Settings” from the  Apple menu
2. Go to “General” and then to “Software Update”
3. Download and install MacOS Tahoe 26.5