Release Candidate for iOS 17.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, iPadOS 17.6 Available for Testing

Apple has issued the Release Candidate builds for iOS 17.6 for iPhone, ipadOS 17.6 for iPad, and macOS Sonoma 14.6 for Mac.

Release Candidate builds are typically the last finalized beta build, which, assuming there are no significant bugs or security issues found, often matches the final version of that software to be released to the general public. This suggests the final version of iOS 17.6, MacOS Sonoma 14.6, and iPadOS 17.6, will be released either later this week, or sometime next week.

The RC builds are available to download now for anyone running the current generations of beta system software. While most beta users are already running iOS 18 beta, iPadOS 18 beta, and MacOS Sequoia beta on their test devices, most developers also have devices running the current generation beta system software builds as well.

No new features are expected, suggesting the updates are focused on bug fixes and security patches.

How to Install macOS Sonoma 14.6 Release Candidate

1. Go to  Apple menu and choose “System Settings”
2. Go to “General”, and then to “Software Update”
3. Choose to update now for macOS Sonoma 14.6 Release Candidate

How to Install iOS 17.6 & iPadOS 17.6 Release Candidate

If you’re actively participating in the beta testing programs for iOS/iPadOS 17, here’s where you’ll find the RC build:

1. Open the Settings app on iPhone or iPad
2. Go to “General” and then go to “Software Update”
3. Tap to update for iOS 17.6/iPadOS 17.6 release candidate

No matter the device you’re using, you’ll have to restart to finish installing the update.

Since this is the Release Candidate build, it very well could match the final version that gets issued to the public in the near future. It’s probable that the final releases of iOS 17.6 and macOS Sonoma 14.6 will be available to everyone either later this week, or next week. It’s also possible a second RC build will become available if there are any bugs or issues discovered in the first RC build.

Non-beta testers can find the latest versions of system software as macOS Sonoma 14.5, iOS 17.5.1, and iPadOS 17.5.1.