Apple has officially rolled out the iOS 26.1 Release Candidate (RC) to developers and public beta testers, marking the final stage before the update’s official public release expected next week. This RC version serves as the last testing build, allowing Apple to ensure stability and performance before making it widely available to all iPhone users.
While Apple hasn’t provided an exact release date, the timing strongly suggests that iOS 26.1 will arrive for everyone early next week, possibly alongside iPadOS 26.1 and watchOS 11.1. The release candidate build typically matches the final version unless any major issues are detected during last-minute testing.
The update is expected to bring important bug fixes, security patches, and under-the-hood improvements that enhance iPhone performance and reliability. Apple may also include minor UI refinements and updates to native apps, ensuring smoother integration with the latest iPhone models and upcoming services.
If you’re part of the Apple Developer Program or the Public Beta Software Program, you can download iOS 26.1 RC now by navigating to Settings → General → Software Update. Make sure your iPhone is backed up before installing, as this build represents the near-final version of the software.
As Apple continues to refine iOS with every release, 26.1 appears to be another step toward optimizing user experience ahead of larger updates expected later this year.