Right now, they have sent out the final test version to people who check for bugs. This version is called a “Release Candidate” (RC), which means Apple thinks it’s ready to be released to everyone. But how different this new update is going to be and what about iOS 18.6 release date, features and more? We will understand with this blog. Let’s get started.
Also Read: 7 Quick Fixes For The Latest iOS 18.4 Battery Drain Issue
A Look At Apple’s Recent iOS Update
Recently we have seen that Apple released the final iOS 18.4 version with several new enhancements. The highlights of this update were:
- Priority notifications
- Visual intelligence for select iPhones
- New Apple Intelligence languages
- Control Centre Apple Intelligence section
- New emoji
Read more about iOS 18.4 update.
iOS 18.6 Release Date: A Look At The Timeline
Apple follows a set pattern for releasing the “point-six” updates. And based on that, we can say that the expected iOS 18.6 release date could be around July 2025. Here, have a look at the timeline:
Version | First Developer Beta Release | Public Release |
iOS 13.6 | June 1, 2020 | July 15, 2020 |
iOS 14.6 | April 22, 2021 | May 24, 2021 |
iOS 15.6 | May 18, 2022 | July 20, 2022 |
iOS 16.6 | May 19, 2023 | July 24, 2023 |
iOS 17.6 | June 17, 2024 | July 29, 2024 |
iOS 18.6 | May-June 2025 (expected) | July 2025 (expected) |

What New iOS 18.6 Features To Expect?
If you look closely, Apple tends to release major groundbreaking features with its bigger updates like iOS 17/18, etc. And same can be expected this time as well. This means, we will have to wait for the iOS 19 launch for any significant feature upgrade.
Coming back to iOS 18.6 features, we can still have expect certain improvements from its previous versions. This might include:
- Security improvements
- Performance improvements for older devices
- Certain refinements to features introduced in 18.4 and 18.5
- Minimal UI enhancements
Here have a look at the previous “point-six” features update for a better understanding:
Version | Features Released |
iOS 13.6 | Digital car keys, Apple News+ audio stories, Bug fixes and improvements, Symptoms in Health app |
iOS 14.6 | Subscriptions for Apple Podcasts subscriptions, Family Sharing for Apple Card, Find My enhancements, AirTag, Bug fixes |
iOS 15.6 | Restart live sports in TV app, Bug fixes |
iOS 16.6 | Bug fixes, Security patches |
iOS 17.6 | Bug fixes, Security patches |
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iOS 18.6 Supported Devices
Devices that were eligible for the iOS 18.4 update will also be eligible for iOS 18.6 update. Here, have a look:
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
Older iPhones like iPhone X, iPhone 8, etc. won’t be getting this update.
What is the Main Purpose of iOS 18.6?
This update is all about stability and refinement. Think of it as the final coat of polish for iOS 18. Apple’s main goals with this release are:
- Improving Performance: Making your iPhone run smoother and faster.
- Boosting Battery Life: Optimizing the software so your battery lasts longer.
Unlike major updates, iOS 18.6 will not introduce any exciting new features, apps, or visual changes. Its entire focus is on making the existing system as reliable as possible.
A Crucial Update for Older iPhones: The End of an Era
This update is especially important for users of the following models:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
For these devices, iOS 18.6 will be the last major software update they ever receive. After this, they will no longer get new versions of iOS, meaning they will miss out on future features and major security enhancements. This makes it essential for owners of these phones to install this update to have the most stable and secure version of the software for the long term.
When To Expect Major iOS Update?
As mentioned above, Apple is most likely to introduce major changes, features and improvements with iOS 19, which we will be able to witness in WWDC 2025. The WWDC 2025 event will run from June 9 to June 13, 2025. The Key highlights of this event would be:
- Introduction to iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, tvOS 19, watchOS 12, and visionOS 3
How to Update to iOS 18.6 When It’s Available

Once Apple releases iOS 18.6, updating your iPhone will be simple.
- Pro-Tip: Back Up First! Before any update, back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. It’s a safety net in case anything goes wrong.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
- Your iPhone will check for the update. When iOS 18.6 appears, tap “Update Now” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery life (or is plugged in) to complete the installation.
Final Thoughts
We will have to wait a little more to experience the iOS 18.6 features and release date. While, there is not much to expect from this update, chances are you will still get certain cool improvements over the previous versions. Don’t forget to check this post later as we will keep on updating with new information as and when we receive it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will iOS 18.6 be released?
The expected public release date for iOS 18.6 is around July 2025. The internal testing has started already and soon we can expect a beta release of this update.
Will there be new features in iOS 18.6?
There is no confirm news as to what new features we will have in iOS 18.6. However, certain leaks and rumors hints towards security and bug fixes majorly.
Which phones will get iOS 18.6?
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, iPhone 11 and all the newer models will be getting iOS 18.6 update.
Will iOS 18.6 slow down my older iPhone?
This is a common concern, but generally, the opposite is true for late-stage updates. iOS 18.6 is designed to optimize performance and fix bugs, which can often make an older device like an iPhone 11 or iPhone SE feel faster and more stable.
What’s the difference between iOS 18.6 and iOS 19?
iOS 18.6 is a minor update that refines the existing iOS 18 system. iOS 19 will be the next major annual release (expected in Fall 2025) that will introduce significant new features, design changes, and a new list of supported devices.
Should I update to iOS 18.6 immediately?
For security reasons alone, the answer is almost always yes. These updates contain vital patches. If you’re cautious, you can wait 24-48 hours after release to see if any widespread issues are reported by early adopters, but you shouldn’t wait too long.
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