iOS 26 Beta Testing Nears End with Release of Beta 8

Apple has likely completed the beta testing phase for iOS 26 after the release of Beta 8. This marks the end of a typical pattern for iOS updates, where Apple typically only seeds up to eight developer betas before the official launch. While iOS 12 did have multiple betas, Apple has not repeated that pattern in recent updates. Beta 8 was released on August 25, 2025, following a similar timeline to iOS 18. There were no major changes in Beta 8, indicating that Apple is focused on preparing the release candidate for the final version of iOS 26. This version will likely be finalized shortly after Apple’s iPhone event, expected on September 9, with the release candidate becoming available that day. The final iOS 26 public release will follow shortly thereafter, likely between September 15 and September 17. Alongside iOS 26, other Apple operating systems, including iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and watchOS 26, will also reach their release candidates around this time. Beta testing for these systems will conclude before the official public releases in September 2025.