What tvOS 26 RC Is
tvOS 26 RC is build 23L772, released on July 20, 2026. A release candidate is the build Apple intends to ship. Unless something serious surfaces in the days that follow, this is the software that becomes the public release — see our explainer on what that means.
This is the first build of the tvOS 26 cycle we have on record, which makes it the baseline every later build is measured against.
RC Build Numbers Across Every Platform
Apple ships each beta wave across its platforms on the same day, usually with different build numbers per operating system. Here is every build we recorded in this wave, taken from Apple's own release feed rather than reposted from elsewhere.
Matching build numbers between two platforms — as iOS and iPadOS almost always have — mean they are built from the same source, which is why their betas behave identically.
| Platform | Version | Build | Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| audioOS 26 | 26.6 | 23L772 | July 20, 2026 |
| macOS 26 | 26.6 | 25G70 | July 20, 2026 |
| tvOS 26 | 26.6 | 23L772 | July 20, 2026 |
How to Install tvOS 26 RC
There is no profile to download. Enrol your Apple Account free at beta.apple.com for the public beta or developer.apple.com for the developer channel, then open Settings → System → Software Updates → Beta Updates on the Apple TV and select the tvOS 26 channel. The build appears in Software Update like any ordinary update.
If you are already on an earlier tvOS 26 beta, this arrives as a normal update and no re-enrolment is needed. Our full tvOS 26 install guide covers the process step by step, and our device pages tell you whether your exact model qualifies.
Should You Install It?
Yes, if you were ever going to. A release candidate is the lowest-risk point in the whole cycle: apps have caught up, the feature set is final, and in most cycles the RC and the public release are the same build with a different label.
Whatever you decide, make an archived backup on a computer first. A backup made on tvOS 26 cannot be restored onto the previous release, so it is the only route back with your data intact — our backup guide explains the difference, and our honest assessment covers running a beta on the phone you depend on.
What Comes After RC
RC is the newest tvOS 26 build we have on record. Based on this cycle's cadence, the next one is due within the next couple of weeks — this page updates automatically when it lands.
Our build history tracks every tvOS build with its date and the gap before it, which is the clearest picture of how a cycle is progressing. The beta calendar guide explains the shape of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the build number for tvOS 26 RC?
tvOS 26 RC is build 23L772, released on July 20, 2026.
When was tvOS 26 RC released?
July 20, 2026.
Is there a beta profile for tvOS 26 RC?
No. Apple removed beta profiles in 2023. Enrol your Apple Account free at beta.apple.com or developer.apple.com and select the channel in Settings — there is no file to download.
How do I check which build I am on?
Settings → General → About, then tap the version number to reveal the build. If it reads 23L772 you are on tvOS 26 RC. Our build number guide explains how to read them.