Apple Releases iOS 26.5 RC 2 and iPadOS 26.5 RC 2 to Developers [Download]

Apple has seeded a second Release Candidate of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to developers and public beta testers. The updated software carries build number 23F77 and arrives just four days after the initial release.



A rapid turnaround for a second Release Candidate typically points to a late-stage bug or installation issue discovered during final testing. This new build replaces the original RC to ensure the operating system is stable before it rolls out to the general public.


As outlined in the official iOS 26.5 release notes, the update introduces end-to-end encryption for cross-platform RCS messaging, keeping texts and media secure between iPhone and Android devices on supported carriers. It also adds a new Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps and a dynamic Pride Luminance wallpaper.

Registered developers and public beta testers can download the revised update over the air by navigating to the Software Update menu in Settings. Full restore images are also available directly from the Apple Developer Center for those performing clean installations.

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