Apple has pushed the Release Candidate (RC) build of tvOS 26.5, marking what is likely the final version before the public rollout. The update is now available to developers and public beta testers, alongside RC builds for the rest of the 26.5 lineup.
The RC stage usually signals that Apple is done adding features and is now focusing on stability. If no major bugs appear, this same build should roll out to all users within days.
How to update
- Open Settings on your Apple TV
- Go to System
- Select Software Updates
- Choose Update Software
- Download and install the tvOS 26.5 RC build
Make sure your device is enrolled in the beta program to see the update.
What’s new in tvOS 26.5
Across the 26.5 software lineup from Apple, the focus stays on refinement rather than major redesigns. While tvOS updates are usually quieter, this release still ties into broader system improvements. These include a new Pride-themed wallpaper and watch face across platforms, a “Suggested Places” feature in Maps, and ongoing work toward end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in Messages. Performance tuning and bug fixes are also part of this RC, aiming for a smoother experience on Apple TV devices.
The bigger picture here is consistency. Apple is aligning features across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS so users feel the same ecosystem behavior regardless of device.
Apple is expected to release tvOS 26.5 publicly within the next week if this build holds up. If any critical issues appear, a revised RC could still arrive before the final rollout.
We will keep tracking any hidden changes or late additions in this build. If you have already installed tvOS 26.5 RC, share how it’s running for you.
