Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.5 RC to Developers Featuring 8 New Emoji [Download]

Apple has seeded the Release Candidate build of macOS Tahoe 26.5 to developers, signaling that the software is nearly ready for a public launch.



The update carries build number 25F71 and arrives alongside the Release Candidates for iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, as well as corresponding updates for watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This build follows a testing cycle that recently wrapped up with the fourth developer beta in late April.


According to Apple's release notes, the software introduces eight new emoji characters to the Mac keyboard. The update also rounds out the release with general bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches designed to keep the operating system running smoothly.

Registered developers can download the Release Candidate directly through the Software Update menu in System Settings. The full macOS restore image is also available to download from the Apple Developer Center for those performing clean installations.