Apple has released iOS 15 RC and iPadOS 15 RC to users enrolled in the beta testing programs for the iPhone and iPad system software.
RC stands for Release Candidate, but given that Apple announced iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 will be released to everyone on September 20, it’s likely the RC build is also the GM.
How to Download iOS 15 RC / iPadOS 15 GM
If you’re currently running a beta of iOS 15 or iPadOS 15, installing the latest GM version is simply a matter of updating system software:
- Open the “Settings” app
- Go to “General”
- Choose “Software Update”
- Select to “Download and install” the iOS 15 / iPadOS 15 update
The iPhone or iPad is between 5GB and 6GB and the device must reboot to complete the software update.
Anyone can install iOS 15 public beta on iPhone, or iPadOS 15 public beta on iPad if they’re interested in doing so, but at this point with the final version coming next week, there’s not much reason to unless you want to be ahead of the crowd.
Always be sure to backup your device before installing system software. You can downgrade from iOS 15 beta, assuming backups from iOS 14 are still available for the device.
iOS 15 features, and controversies
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 feature a variety of changes and improvements to the operating systems, including a revamped Do Not Disturb mode called Focus, Safari Extensions support, Safari UI changes, Safari tab groups, Private Relay for Safari to reduce ad tracking, Live Text for selecting text in images, redesigned Notifications, and various changes to built-in apps like Photos, Health, Music, Weather, Calendar, and more.
iPadOS 15 also some iPad specific features, like a revamped multitasking system, and the ability to place widgets anywhere on the iPad home screen.
The latest Apple system software also was planned to include controversial new surveillance functionalities. The surveillance features will automatically scan photos and messages for illegal content and report them to authorities if offending material is found, but the announced postponement suggests those capabilities are due in an upcoming system software update instead of the initial iOS 15 release. Users curious about this specific privacy topic can read more at the Electronic Frontier Foundation at EFF.org.
iOS 15 Release Date: September 20
Assuming no major problems or issues are found, the GM release available today (build 19A344) is likely to be the same build as what comes out next week when iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are available for all users, on September 20.
iOS 15 GM / RC Release Notes
Release notes included with the GM/RC download are likely the same as the final version:
Are you already running iOS 15 / iPadOS 15? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.