Release Candidate builds for iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and macOS Tahoe 26.5, released by Apple, to users involved in Apple’s system software beta testing programs. Registered devices can get the RC build available now.
A Released Human Build (RC) is usually the final version of the beta test, which, if there are no last-minute issues, will be the same as the final version made available to the general public. This means that the final versions of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and macOS Tahoe 26.5, will be available to the general public soon, probably this week or next.
According to the release notes, iOS 26.5 includes support for End-to-End Encryption of RCS messages, a new Pride wallpaper, and support for “Suggested Places” in Apple Maps (which appears to be advertising-inspired), as well as bug fixes and security updates. macOS Tahoe 26.5 will likely also get support for RCS encrypted messaging, as well as a few new emojis, bug fixes, and security enhancements.
The latest stable builds of the 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
Getting the RC build on an iPhone and iPad enrolled in the beta program is similar to a regular software update:
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Go to “General” and then “Software Update”
- Download and install iOS 26.5 / iPadOS 26.5
How to download macOS Tahoe 26.5 RC
For a Mac signed up for the beta program, getting an RC build is like any other software update:
- Go to “System Settings” in the Apple menu
- Go to “General” and then “Software Update”
- Download and install MacOS Tahoe 26.5
iOS 26.5 RC Release Notes
The 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 edge-to-edge RCS messages, a new Pride Luminance wallpaper, and suggested locations in Apple Maps.
iOS 26.5 Release Notes
Here is the complete changelog for iOS 26.5.
iOS 26.5
This update introduces support for RCS (beta) end-to-end encrypted messaging and a downloadable Pride Luminance wallpaper, as well as enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.
This update includes the following improvements:
● End-to-end encrypted RCS messages (beta) in Messages are available with supported carriers and will be rolled out over time. For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/109526
● Pride Luminance wallpaper that changes colors, available for download
● Suggested places in Maps show recommendations based on what’s trending around your recent searchesFor information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:
Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. To learn more, please visit:
Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit:
MacOS Tahoe 26.5 RC release notes
The release notes with 26.5 for Mac are as follows:
This update introduces 8 new emoji, as well as 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.
Since these RC builds, it is possible that we will see the final versions of iPadOS 26.5, iOS 26.5, and macOS Tahoe 26.5, very soon.
Separately, next month, Apple will introduce iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and MacOS 27 in June at WWDC 2026.