Apple’s upcoming major round of software updates is nearing release: today the RC (release candidate) versions of watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and more have been launched.
## Next round of software updates is nearly set to launch
New Apple software updates have been undergoing beta testing for just over a month, and they seem almost ready for deployment.
These upcoming updates consist of:
– iOS 26.1
– iPadOS 26.1
– macOS Tahoe 26.1
– watchOS 26.1
– tvOS 26.1
– visionOS 26.1
– HomePod 26.1
Today, Apple has introduced the RC versions of these updates for beta testers.
According to Apple’s past patterns, public releases for these updates are expected to arrive within about a week—plus or minus a few days.
So far, the most significant changes noted during the beta phase have been confined to Apple’s three primary platforms: iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
These updates feature new options to modify the Liquid Glass design, a substantial Apple Intelligence language enhancement, along with the reintroduction of Slide Over on iPad, among other minor updates.
For tvOS, watchOS, visionOS, and HomePod, modifications have been scarce.
There’s a new Apple TV app icon, likely to align with the upcoming more “vibrant” branding for the Apple TV streaming service. However, the TV app itself has remained unchanged in the betas thus far.
Bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance upgrades may turn out to be the main highlights for Apple’s “lesser” software platforms this time. But we will keep you updated on any changes we find.
Have you spotted anything new in watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, or visionOS 26.1? Share your thoughts in the comments.
