Apple officially released iOS 18.6 on July 29, 2025 (build 22G86) to all supported iPhones. After nearly six weeks of beta testing, it is rolling out publicly for all iPhone users. This update focused on addressing security issues, implementing bug fixes, and improving overall performance with no new visual features.
How to Update to iOS 18.6?
All iPhone users running iOS 18 can now update to iOS 18.6 as follows:
- Go to Settings –> General –> Software Update
- It will now show the iOS version that is available for update. Tap on the “Update Now” button.
What’s New in iOS 18.6
Bug Fixes and App Improvements:
- With this update, it fixes the issue with the Photo app that was causing the memory movie from being shared.
- Enhancement for Bluetooth and Wifi stability and smoother app launches.
Security Enhancement:
- Over 24 security patches, including critical fixes in WebKit(Safari Browser Engine), which could have exposed sensitive user information or triggered crashes.
- With this update, it also fixes the issue related to accessibility when VoiceOver could read the passcode aloud.
- It also resolves an important issue related to the privacy indicator. When the user uses their camera or microphone, these indicators do not appear (green dot for camera or orange dot for microphone) on iPhone, and the user is unaware if the camera or microphone is being used. However, this is now resolved in the iOS 18.6 update.
EU Specific Changes: Third-Party App Installations:
The update bring an important update for user in the EU. In compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act, users in the EU can now install the app directly from the developer’s website. The user will now see an updated interface when installing apps from an alternative marketplace or developer website.
Although Apple is busy testing its iOS 26 Beta, which is expected to be released by September. iOS 18.6 appears to be the final maintenance update for iOS 18 before making a major shift to iOS 26.
If you’re interested in learning more about the iOS 18.6 security update, you can find more details here. If you have already installed iOS 18.6, please share your observations or any issues you faced after the update in the comments.
