Apple has issued release candidate (RC) builds for its current-generation operating systems, including iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, tvOS 17.6, and macOS Sonoma 14.6. These RC builds indicate that Apple is nearing the final release of these updates.
Developers participating in Apple's beta program can download the new builds from the Apple Developer Center or by updating their iPhones or iPads already running the betas via the Settings app. Public beta versions typically follow shortly after the developer releases.
Key Updates:
iOS 17.6 & iPadOS 17.6: New build number 21G79 macOS 14.6: New build number 23G80 tvOS 17.6: New build number 21M6071 HomePod 17.6: New build number 21M71 watchOS 10.6: New build number 21U577 VisionOS 1.3: New build number 21O771Apple also released new RC builds for older operating systems, including iOS 15.8.3, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, and macOS Ventura 13.6.8.
This fifth round of updates follows the fourth round, which was released on July 16, and the third round on July 9. The updates in this RC phase are focused on finalizing the current generation before transitioning to the upcoming fall builds, which include iOS 18, iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
Installation and Caution:
AppleInsider and Apple recommend that users refrain from installing test operating systems or other beta or RC software on mission-critical or primary devices due to the potential risk of data loss or system issues. Testers should use secondary devices and ensure they have adequate backups of all critical data.
Context:
The release candidate status signifies that the software is feature-complete and has passed all necessary tests to ensure stability and performance, bringing users one step closer to receiving the finalized updates on their devices.