Apple’s iOS 18.6 is coming soon, with the third beta released this week. The iOS 18.6 upgrade is Apple’s next big iPhone software update and possibly the last before it issues iOS 26 this fall.
So, what should you expect in iOS 18.6 and how will the upgrade impact iPhone security? Here’s what you need to know.
iOS 18.6 Features
The iOS 18.6 update looks like it will be light on features — although it will see changes arrive in the App Store for EU users. This isn’t unusual for an update so late in Apple’s release year. The iPhone maker is focusing on honing iOS 26 and making iOS 18 as stable and secure as possible before the Sept. release.
iOS 18.6 Security Updates And Bug Fixes
It’s likely that iOS 18.6 will be a security and bug update only—which actually makes it more important than a feature-heavy iPhone update. The last security upgrade issued by Apple was iOS 18.5, which was released in May.
By the time iOS 18.6 is released, more than two months will have passed since the last security updates, so expect a hefty list of patched flaws, which I will cover detail when the upgrade arrives.
Of course, iOS 18.6 will address bugs in 18.5, which could include the battery drain, overheating and Bluetooth issues plaguing some iPhone users.
Will There Be An iOS 18.5.1 Before iOS 18.6?
There’s rather a large gap between iOS 18.5 and iOS 18.6, which has led to rumors of an additional iPhone update, iOS 18.5.1, to fix any urgent issues. Apple might have been considering this, in case it needed to address any flaws that were being used in real-life attacks.
However, it’s now July and no iOS 18.5.1 has materialised, so I’d say it’s very likely the next iPhone update will be iOS 18.6.
iOS 18.6 — When It Will Arrive And What You Need To Do
Apple’s iOS 18.6 is nearly here. Judging by previous years, it’ll probably arrive at the end of July — although it could roll over into August.
The iOS 18.6 is likely to be the last iPhone update before Apple releases iOS 26, with a barrage of new iPhones features, so it’ll need to be applied urgently to ensure your iPhone is safe and stable in the meantime.
Check your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update or keep an eye on my page for iOS 18.6’s arrival.