Apple has distributed the release candidate builds of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 to developers and beta testers, according to MacRumors. The update arrives as the company finalizes its next-generation mobile operating systems ahead of a public rollout.
The release candidate marks the last major testing phase before the software is made available to all users. MacRumors reports that the build is now in the hands of developers, signaling that Apple is close to completing its work on the new versions of its iPhone and iPad operating systems.
The upcoming software is expected to introduce a range of improvements, including a revamped Siri experience powered by artificial intelligence, as noted in coverage from Yahoo Finance UK. Apple has also been preparing changes to its HomeKit smart home platform, which Engadget reports will see significant updates in iOS 27.
In parallel, Apple has seeded a release candidate for macOS Golden Gate, the next major update to its desktop operating system, according to MacRumors. This suggests the company is aligning the launch of its software across devices, with iPhone, iPad, and Mac updates likely arriving around the same time.
Mashable has noted that users are eager to learn the exact download date for iOS 27. While Apple has not officially confirmed a specific public release date in the reporting, the arrival of release candidates typically precedes a final launch by a short window, often within a week or two.
Developers testing the release candidate will now focus on verifying stability and performance before the software ships to the general public. Apple is expected to announce the official release date alongside its upcoming iPhone event, which traditionally serves as the stage for the new operating system’s debut.
