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.

The latest stable builds of system software are currently MacOS Tahoe 26.4.1, iOS 26.4.2, and iPadOS 26.4.2.

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

iOS 26.5 RC Release Notes

Release notes included with the RC build are as follows:

Apple has published the full release notes for iOS 26.5, detailing the new features and changes coming to the iPhone. The update introduces support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, a new Pride Luminance wallpaper, and Suggested Places in Apple Maps.

iOS 26.5 Release Notes

Here is the full changelog for iOS 26.5.

iOS 26.5

This update introduces support for end-to-end encrypted RCS (beta) messaging and a downloadable Pride Luminance wallpaper, along with enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone

This update includes the following enhancements:
● End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time. For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/109526
● Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors, is available for download
● Suggested Places in Maps displays recommendations based on what’s trending nearby and your recent searches

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:
https://support.apple.com/100100

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. To learn more, please visit: https://apple.com/ios/feature-availability/

Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: https://support.apple.com/125039

MacOS Tahoe 26.5 RC Release Notes

Release notes with 26.5 for Mac are as follows:

This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: support.apple.com/100100.

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. To learn more, please visit: apple.com/macos/feature-availability.

Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: support.apple.com/125039.

As these are the RC builds, it’s quite likely we will see the final versions of iPadOS 26.5, iOS 26.5, and macOS Tahoe 26.5, in the near future.

Separately, next month, Apple will unveil iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and MacOS 27 at June at WWDC 2026