# Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.6 and iOS 26.6 RC Builds to Testers New OS updates focus on bug fixes and security patches ahead of public release. - **Source:** [OS X Daily](https://brifing.si/source/912712f1-151d-4c88-84fc-ed036da8cfab) - **Published:** 2026-07-21 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/abfdd70b-d6c9-43da-855e-715fe93f2b93 ## RC Builds Released Apple has rolled out Release Candidate (RC) builds for macOS Tahoe 26.6, iOS 26.6, and iPadOS 26.6 to beta testers. These builds are near-final versions and will soon be released to the public unless major issues are found. ## Preparing for iOS 27 The iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 RC builds include Spotlight optimizations for iOS 27. Users have noticed this optimization can take several days, with a 'Optimizing Search and Siri' notification appearing in the Settings app. ## Updates for Older Versions Apple also released RC builds for macOS Sequoia 15.7.8 and macOS Sonoma 14.8.8. However, these versions are likely only being tested by a small number of developers at this stage. ## How to Download Beta users can download iOS/iPadOS 26.6 RC via 'Settings > General > Software Update.' Mac users can update to macOS Tahoe 26.6 RC through 'System Settings > General > Software Update.' ## Note for OS 27 Beta Users Users currently on macOS 27 Golden Gate, iOS 27, or iPadOS 27 beta versions won't see the OS 26.6 RC builds. They must remain on their current beta track. ## Public Release Imminent The release of RC builds signals that the final public versions are coming soon. Apple is expected to roll out the stable releases by the end of this week or early next week. ## Sources covering this story - https://osxdaily.com/2026/07/21/rc-builds-of-macos-tahoe-26-6-ios-26-6-ipados-26-6-available-for-testers/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._