Apple has released iOS 26 RC for iPhone and iPadOS 26 RC for the iPad, bringing the most stable beta yet with the new Liquid Glass design and final features ahead of the iPhone 17 release.
With iOS 26 right around the corner and preinstalled on the upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, this RC build gives us the most stable look yet at what Apple’s been cooking, including the fresh Liquid Glass design language and other under-the-hood improvements.
Why iOS 26 RC Matters
- Most Stable Beta Yet: As the first RC, it’s meant to squash most of the bugs testers have dealt with.
- Almost Final: If nothing major pops up, this build could be identical to the official release.
- Future Devices: This is the same software that’ll ship on the iPhone 17 lineup.
That said, if you don’t like living on the edge, you might want to wait a few more days for the public release.
How to Install iOS 26 RC
Over-the-Air (OTA) — Free and Easy
This is the fastest way, no cables required:
- Sign in with your Apple ID at developer.apple.com.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Select iOS 26 Developer Beta or iPadOS 26 Developer Beta.
- Tap Download and Install and follow the prompts.
Your device will restart, and the RC will be installed automatically.
Option 2: IPSW Clean Install — For a Fresh Start
If you prefer a clean slate (and don’t mind wiping your device), the IPSW method is for you. Keep in mind it requires a $99/year developer account.
- Download the correct iOS 26 RC IPSW file from the Apple Developer portal.
- Connect your device to your Mac (Finder) or Windows PC (iTunes).
- Hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Restore iPhone/iPad.
- Choose the IPSW file and follow on-screen steps.
This method erases your device, so make sure you back up your data first.
Final Thoughts
The iOS 26 RC release means the finish line is in sight. Whether you go OTA for convenience or IPSW for a fresh install, you’ll get an early taste of Apple’s upcoming software that’ll power the iPhone 17 family. If you’re not into potential hiccups, though, the official rollout isn’t far away.
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