What's New in iOS 26.2 RC 2: Stability Fixes and Final Polish

Apple released iOS 26.2 Release Candidate 2 on December 8, 2025, to developers and public beta testers.

This minor update focuses on bug fixes and stability, with the public version expected soon, likely by December 10 or shortly after.

Release Information

The new build number is 23C54, up from RC 1's 23C52.

Download size is around 500-511 MB on iPhone 17 Pro Max models, with no modem firmware changes.

This second RC aligns with tvOS 26.2 RC 2 and addresses late issues, typical for additional candidates.

No major new features appear; all additions from earlier betas remain.

Public rollout should follow quickly if no problems arise, potentially this week.

Key Updates

Liquid Glass Refinements

Lock Screen clock opacity and clarity adjustments continue, with ongoing Liquid Glass design tweaks across apps like Measure's level tool.

AirPods Live Translation Expansion

Real-time translation for calls, FaceTime, and Messages now extends to the European Union.

Reminders App Enhancements

Urgent reminders can trigger full alarms, bypassing standard notifications for better alerts.

Podcasts App Improvements

AI-generated chapters aid navigation, with better organization of related content.

CarPlay Adjustments

Option to disable pinned messages in the Messages app for a cleaner experience.

App Library Sorting

Games can now sort by size for easier management.

Additional Refinements

Other changes include enhanced Safety Alerts, one-time AirDrop codes without contacts, updated Apple News layout with category buttons (e.g., Food, Politics), refined Sleep tracking, smoother animations, and at least 15 total usability improvements.

Performance and Bug Fixes

Testers report strong performance: smooth animations, fast scrolling, quick menu openings, and high Geekbench scores (multi-core over 10,000 on newer devices).

Battery life stabilizes well, with minimal heat during use.

Fixed issues include App Library loading delays, home screen resprings, screenshot black flashes, offline Music lyrics, app icon loading glitches, and some CarPlay connectivity problems.

Remaining minor bugs involve wallpaper vibrancy transitions and occasional sluggishness with custom icons.

Overall, RC 2 offers excellent stability for daily use.

Grow Your Apps & Games on the Apple App Store

Get 50% Off on Your First Order!

Promote Now

Editor's Comments

Following this second RC, iOS 26.2 public release aligns for mid-week, potentially December 10, with iOS 26.3 betas starting soon after—possibly next week—and featuring improved cross-platform data transfer with Google.

The biggest shift from prior versions lies in polished refinements and expanded accessibility, like EU Live Translation.

These updates bolster the iOS ecosystem's maturity, enhancing daily interactions and global reach, while collaborations signal broader interoperability that could reshape competition in mobile tech.