Apple on Wednesday seeded the iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 release candidates to developers and public testers, a move that typically signals the software is just about ready. The final versions are expected to arrive next week.
There is a useful change to AirDrop file sharing, improvements to Sleep Score for Apple Watch wearers, a prominent tweak to Liquid Glass and more.
Release candidates for iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2 and visionOS 26.2 also went out on Wednesday.
iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 are almost here!
Beta testing for iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 has been going on for weeks and is nearing its close. Release candidates are the last step in beta testing, giving third-party software developers and other beta testers one more opportunity to look over the final versions of operating systems before they’re introduced to average users. By introducing these for the full range of its devices — iPhone, Mac, iPad and more — Apple is signaling that the next major upgrades are right around the corner.
Based on years of previous Apple OS releases, the RCs come a week before the full versions go out to users around the world. So the iOS 26.2 launch day could be December 10. But there are no hard-and-fast rules, so perhaps launch day will be December 9 or December 11. The same holds true for macOS Tahoe 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2 and so on.
What to expect
One of the most practical additions is a new privacy tool for file-sharing: iOS 26.2 lets users send content using a one-time AirDrop code, allowing quick exchanges with strangers without enabling system-wide “Everyone” mode.
Plus, the update expands the Liquid Glass design language introduced in iOS 26 by adding a new Lock Screen transparency slider, giving users granular control over how frosted or clear their clock appears.
Apple is also recalibrating its Sleep Score system to provide more accurate readings to Apple Watch wearers. Other tweaks include the option to flash the OLED screen during notifications, not just the rear LED.
For more details, check our list of changes in iOS 26.2 beta 3 as well as the ones in beta 2.
Test iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 today
iOS 26.2 RC, macOS Tahoe 26.2 RC, iPadOS 26.2 RC, and so on can be downloaded starting on Wednesday by registered members of Apple’s developer program.
And those in the Apple Beta Software Program don’t have to wait. They can also test these pre-release versions now as well.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
