Apple Releases iOS 26.2 RC and iPadOS 26.2 RC to Developers [Download]

Apple has seeded the Release Candidates for iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 to developers today, moving the software one step closer to a public launch. The build number is 23C52. Provided no significant bugs are found during this final testing phase, this is the version that will ship to customers as earlier as next week.

The update brings a handful of functional changes to the system. The Apple News app has been redesigned with new quick-access buttons and a dedicated "Following" tab for easier navigation. In the Podcasts app, users will see AI-generated chapters and a new option to follow shows mentioned in an episode without leaving the player. The Reminders app also picks up a feature that lets you mark items as "Urgent" to trigger a persistent full-screen alarm.

Apple is also introducing a new way to use AirDrop with one-time codes, allowing for file sharing between users who aren't in each other's contacts. For the Japanese market, a new setting allows replacing Siri on the Side Button with alternative voice assistants. Additionally, the software includes new APIs to help developers comply with age verification laws in Texas.


This cycle follows the release of iOS 26.1 last month.

Developers can download the update from the Apple Developer Center or via the Software Update menu in Settings.

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