The tech world has been eagerly awaiting Apple’s grand reveal, iOS 26, with its hyped “Liquid Glass” redesign promising a major shake-up for iPhones this fall. But before that colossal update graces your device, Apple has a quiet, yet important, pit stop planned. As reported by Senior Technology Editor Jake Peterson, the next software download you’ll likely encounter is iOS 18.6, an update designed to prepare your device for the future, not revolutionize it.
Think of iOS 18.6 as the diligent unsung hero, focusing entirely on stability rather than flashy new features. As the sixth major iteration of iOS 18, there simply aren’t many new functionalities left to add. However, it does bring one significant change for users in the European Union: an updated experience for downloading apps and app marketplaces from outside Apple’s App Store, a feature mandated by recent EU legislation. For everyone else, this update is primarily about squashing lingering bugs and glitches that have persisted since iOS 18.5, ensuring your iPhone runs smoother than ever.
For the curious and technically inclined, iOS 18.6 is already in its third beta, meaning you can test it out now, though don’t expect dramatic visible changes. While Apple hasn’t set a formal release date, it’s expected to roll out before iOS 26 officially lands in the fall. And speaking of iOS 26, the first public beta for that highly anticipated update is just around the corner, set to launch next week, giving eager users a sneak peek at Apple’s next big leap forward. So, while iOS 18.6 might seem minor, it’s a crucial step in ensuring a stable foundation for what’s to come.