iOS 26.1 Release Candidate Arrives: What's New?
iOS 26.1 Release Candidate Now Available
Apple has officially released the iOS 26.1 Release Candidate (RC) for testing, marking a significant step towards the public release expected next week. This latest iteration arrives alongside updates for iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, macOS – including macOS Tahoe, Sequoia and Sonoma - signaling a comprehensive system-wide refresh.
What's Included in iOS 26.1 RC?
The iOS 26.1 RC build number is 23B82 and weighs in at approximately 7.7GB on iPhones, though this may vary depending on your device model and current iOS version.
This release candidate primarily focuses on stability and bug fixes, typical for an RC build. Users upgrading from iOS 26 or iOS 26.0.1 can anticipate several noticeable changes, including:
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Clear and Tinted Liquid Glass Options: Expanded choices for customizing the iPhone's rear glass appearance.
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New Modem Update: Improvements to cellular connectivity and performance.
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Animation Enhancements: Refined animations throughout the iOS interface for a smoother user experience.
Release Candidate Explained
A release candidate is the final build before a public release. Apple typically releases RCs to allow developers and testers to identify any remaining issues before widespread distribution. While new features are less common at this stage, the focus remains on ensuring a stable and reliable user experience.
How to Update to iOS 26.1 RC
If you're already part of the iOS 26 beta program, you should automatically receive the Release Candidate update. To manually check for updates:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
What's Next?
The public release of iOS 26.1 is expected to arrive next week. If the final version shares the same build number as the RC, no further action is required on your part. However, if Apple releases a build with a different number, you’ll be prompted to upgrade.
