iOS 26 RC Users Get Update to Match Public Release

Apple rolled out iOS 26 to the general public yesterday, though it wasn’t without a minor hiccup. The version that was distributed to regular users carried a build number different from the Release Candidate (RC) that beta testers had installed just a few days prior. To address this disparity, Apple has now issued an updated public build to those participating in the beta program.

Why Beta Testers Are Seeing a New Update

For those who were using the iOS 26 RC, your build number was likely set to 23A340.

Meanwhile, the public release had a different designation, marked as build number 23A341.

This discrepancy meant that, until today, beta testers weren’t technically running the same software version as everyone else. The only way around this was to disable Beta Updates in Settings, which allowed downloading the public version directly.

Now, with this latest update, Apple simplifies things—beta users can navigate to Software Update and install the exact same build as the general public.

This version isn’t introducing the eagerly awaited iOS 26.1. It’s merely a corrected iOS 26.0. Apple hasn’t released any specific change details, and users likely won’t notice any differences. The primary aim is clear: ensure every iPhone, whether in public hands or beta, runs the identical software.

Updates Across Apple Platforms

Alongside iOS, Apple has also refreshed builds for macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and other platforms. Much like the iOS update, these sync beta testers with the versions distributed publicly earlier in the week. The focus remains on consistency rather than new features.

With iOS 26 now harmonized across both public and beta groups, Apple can prepare to shift its focus towards the next update, iOS 26.1, which promises more significant changes.

Would the alignment of these versions make a difference for you? Share your thoughts down below.