Apple’s sixth developer betas have arrived for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27 and macOS 27, moving the software a step closer to its expected release in 2026.
The Apple Developer Beta programme has now reached its sixth round across the full range of operating systems, including macOS 27 Golden Gate. The latest builds follow the fifth round, which was issued on 10 August. Earlier rounds were distributed on 20 July, 6 July and 22 June for most systems, with the watchOS 27 versions arriving on 23 June and 25 June.
The latest build numbers
The sixth developer betas are identified as follows: iOS 27 beta 6 is 24A5418b, replacing 24A5408d, and iPadOS 27 beta 6 shares the same 24A5418b number, also replacing 24A5408d. The macOS 27 beta 6 is 26A5416b, replacing 26A5406e, while tvOS 27 beta 6 is 24J5353b, replacing 24J5346a. The watchOS 27 beta 6 is 24R5353a, replacing 24R5347a, and visionOS 27 beta 6 is 24M5355a, replacing 24M5348b. HomePod Software 27 beta 6 carries the build 24J5353b.
Alongside these, Apple has issued two release candidates: macOS 26.7 RC is 25G220, and macOS 15.8 RC is 24H16.
What has changed since WWDC
The first developer builds of the new operating systems were made available on 8 June, immediately after the WWDC keynote. That initial round introduced updates to Liquid Glass, the long-awaited overhaul of Siri, child-protective features and numerous smaller adjustments.
The second iOS 27 developer beta added an update to Apple TV within the Home app, presenting it in the manner of a connected HomePod or HomePod mini. The Apple Wallet also gained a new insights option, though in a non-functional form at that stage. The third beta brought visual tweaks and additional customisation options for Siri AI on newer iPhone models.
The fifth round extended the Siri AI customisation options to British English, applied visual tweaks to various apps and introduced a more prominent Liquid Glass appearance for the Siri icon. Settings gained a new Before Searching option, allowing users to choose which apps appear as suggestions, while Control Centre was adjusted to remove cellular network types when connected to Wi-Fi.
Guidance for installing beta software
These early developer betas are intended for an operating system still under active development, meaning there is a higher chance of encountering buggy, broken or potentially harmful elements. The builds are designed to help developers learn about operating system changes ahead of the final public release later in 2026, and are not meant for general consumer use.
Those without a specific reason to install them, such as app development, are advised to avoid the early developer betas and to install the beta software on secondary or spare hardware rather than a primary device. Members of the public seeking to try iOS 27 should instead look to the public betas, which offer a safer alternative, although some risk to data still remains. The final public release is scheduled for later in 2026.
Source
Image: appleinsider.com
