Apple’s latest round of software updates is almost ready for everyone. The company has released the watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 Release Candidates (RC) to developers and public beta testers, signaling that the final public versions are just around the corner.
watchOS 26.1 RC
Apple Watch users can expect a smooth and refined experience with this build. While there aren’t any flashy new features, watchOS 26.1 RC includes bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. It also ensures better alignment with the upcoming iOS 26.1 features and Apple Intelligence expansions.
To install watchOS 26.1 RC:
- Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS 26.1 beta or RC.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to General > Software Update and download the new build.
- Keep your Apple Watch on its charger until the update completes.
tvOS 26.1 RC
Apple TV users can also download the tvOS 26.1 RC today. Like the Apple Watch update, it focuses on behind-the-scenes stability, bug fixes, and improved streaming performance. With rumors of a new Apple TV model coming soon, this version likely fine-tunes the system for upcoming hardware.
To update, go to:
Settings > System > Software Updates > Get Beta Updates > Download and Install.
visionOS 26.1 RC
Finally, visionOS 26.1 RC for the Apple Vision Pro is rolling out as well. This build sharpens gesture controls, hand tracking, and overall system responsiveness, delivering a smoother and more natural experience in Apple’s spatial computing environment.
Developers and testers can grab the update directly from Settings > Software Update on the Vision Pro or via the Vision Pro Developer Tools in Xcode.
What’s Next
These release candidates usually mean the public rollout is less than a week away. Once Apple confirms everything is stable, expect watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 to be available for everyone very soon.
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