Apple has rolled out the second iOS 26.5 Release Candidate (RC 2) update to developers and public beta testers, just days ahead of the expected stable rollout. The surprise release arrives shortly after the first iOS 26.5 Release Candidate dropped earlier this week.
iOS 26.5 Release Candidate 2 Update: What's New?
The new iOS 26.5 RC 2 update carries version number 23F77 and is about 8.73 GB in size. While the release notes don't have anything to say, we believe Apple is simply polishing the software by introducing under-the-hood performance optimisations and bug fixes.
Apart from that, the update features what we already know, starting with end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between iPhone and Android users.
Additionally, the native Maps app has a Suggested Places feature, which recommends users' locations nearby they can visit, on the basis of recent searches and trends.
Most importantly, the Apple Maps app will display ads in future iOS updates and a pop-up notification lets us know of it, spotted in iOS 26.5 Beta 2 update.
Apart from that, iOS 26.5 also introduces new Pride-themed wallpapers and customisation options.
Sadly, the iOS 26.5 Release Candidate 2 doesn't give Siri any new AI-backed powers. It looks like Apple is preserving the new Siri app for iOS 27.
For those unaware, the iOS 27 update will be officially introduced at the upcoming WWDC 2026 event. So, it makes sense why Apple is shipping a second Release Candidate.
It ensures that iOS 26.5 is more stable than ever, before the Cupertino giant embraces iOS 27. From the looks of it, the stable iOS 26.5 update could start rolling out to users as early as next week.
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