When Apple will release iOS 26.2

Apple is getting closer to releasing the final major iOS update of the year, with iOS 26.2 expected to be released in December. The company has released three beta versions so far, and is presumably preparing a fourth or RC build this week. That means the final release could come as early as next week.

Historical update release dates

For the past few years, Apple has kept the same schedule for x.2 updates, with releases coming in mid-December. This can be seen in previous versions:

– iOS 18.2: RC December 5, release on December 11 – four betas, last on November 20.- iOS 17.2: RC December 5, release on December 11 – four betas, last on November 28.- iOS 16.2: RC December 7, release on December 13 – four betas, last on December 1.- iOS 15.2: RC December 7, release on December 13 – four betas, last on December 2.- iOS 14.2: RC October 30, release on November 5 – four betas, last on October 20.

Since 2021, the company has consistently released x.2 versions in December, with RC appearing in the first week of the month and the final release in the second.

Possible iOS 26.2 release scenarios

In contrast to recent years, the fourth beta of iOS 26.2 hasn’t been released yet. Apple usually publishes it in late November, which allows for an earlier RC release.

If the company keeps the usual interval between builds, the timeline could look like this:

– beta 4 – Dec. 2-4,- RC – Dec. 8-11,- iOS 26.2 release – Dec. 15 or 16.

This will be the latest December x.2 update in years, but due to important regulatory changes in Japan, this scenario seems the most likely.

Nevertheless, Apple usually releases four betas, so the first option remains the most realistic. Either way, the update will be released in the next few weeks.

What’s new in iOS 26.2

Although it’s not a major update for most users outside of Japan, the update does include a few notable features:

What’s next: iOS 26.3

After iOS 26.2 is released, Apple is usually quick to start testing the next update. “Third” versions often focus on internal improvements, but the first beta of iOS 26.3 is due out the day after the 26.2 release.

For comparison:- iOS 18.3 beta 1 was released on December 16,- iOS 17.3 beta 1 was released on December 12,- iOS 16.3 beta 1 was released on December 14.