Apple Rolls Out iOS 18 Release Candidate After iPhone 16 Launch

Apple’s RC updates represent the final development version of the OS, just ahead of its public release.

Apple has officially seeded the iOS 18 Release Candidate (RC), marking the final beta phase for developers ahead of its public launch. This update comes shortly after the unveiling of the iPhone 16 series, as well as other new devices in the company’s product lineup. Set to be publicly released on September 16, the RC version was rolled out a week after the previous developer beta, signaling that the final version of iOS 18 is just around the corner.

iOS 18 Release Candidate Details

The Release Candidate update, as explained by Apple, represents the final development version of an operating system before its public release. These RC updates generally contain all the features intended for the final version, though any lingering bugs or issues may be patched in subsequent updates, if necessary. The iOS 18 RC is identified by build number 22A3354 and is expected to match the public version.

Supported Devices for iOS 18

Along with the iOS 18 RC rollout, Apple has also confirmed the list of devices that will support the new OS. This includes the latest iPhone 16 series models, alongside older devices such as the iPhone XR and iPhone SE (2022), ensuring that a broad range of users can experience the new software.

Expected Features and Enhancements

While the RC version is considered feature-complete, the full scope of improvements coming with iOS 18 remains to be seen. However, with performance enhancements and additional refinements from the earlier beta versions, users can expect a polished and stable experience upon release.

This marks the final step in Apple’s beta testing phase, allowing developers to preview the system and ensure app compatibility before iOS 18 is made publicly available.