iOS 26.2 and macOS 26.2 Reach RC Status: Imminent Release Excites Users!

Apple has just launched the Release Candidate versions of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, along with macOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, visionOS 26.2, and version 26.2 of the HomePod’s internal software. For older devices, updates like iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS 15.7.3, and macOS 14.8.3 were also released. This stage represents the final phase in the beta versions: should no significant issues arise in the coming days, these builds will be released to the public, likely within the next week.

While Apple has not released the update notes for these impending updates, several enhancements have been noted in the beta versions. Notably, iOS 26.2 includes features such as the ability to exchange a code for pairing AirDrop for 30 days, integration of alarms into Reminders, the addition of tables in Freeform, automatic chaptering in Podcasts, offline lyrics for Apple Music, the option to adjust the level of Liquid Glass on the lock screen, and the ability to make the screen flash when alerted. Liquid Glass has also been added to the Measure app, along with compatibility for live translation via AirPods within the EU. Specifically for iPadOS 26.2, Slide Over now supports dragging and dropping apps from the app library, the Dock, and Spotlight.

For macOS 26.2, new features include Edge Light, which displays a white strip on the screen to better illuminate the user during video calls, and a new version of the open-source MLX framework designed to speed up artificial intelligence computations.

On the Apple Watch, watchOS 26.2 introduces tougher sleep score metrics and removes the sharing of Wi-Fi networks with iPhones in the European Union, a step taken to sidestep DMA interoperability obligations.

Lastly, a minor update in tvOS 26.2 allows for the creation of profiles that are not necessarily linked to an Apple account, which is especially useful for temporary guests or children.