Apple Releases Last IPhone Update Before IOS 26
Since WWDC 2025 in early June, the tech community’s attention has been focused on iOS 26. That’s understandable: Like all major software updates, the new OS will come with new features and changes, but this year’s changes are bigger than most, including Apple’s “Liquid Glass” redesign . Despite the hype, though, iOS 26 isn’t the next update for your iPhone ( unless you install the beta, of course ).
But even as Apple finishes its big fall update, it’s simultaneously working on a much smaller update that you’ll likely see before iOS 26 hits your device: iOS 18.6.
Unlike iOS 26, iOS 18.6 won’t change your overall iPhone experience much. That’s to be expected: This is already the sixth major update to iOS 18, so there aren’t many features left for Apple to add. In fact, the only new feature coming in iOS 18.6 is exclusive to EU users . Those users will find a refreshed interface when downloading apps and app stores from the web. (EU law requires Apple to allow this “sideloading” of third-party apps, while the rest of us outside of Europe are still limited to Apple’s App Store.)
Instead of making drastic changes, iOS 18.6 seems to be betting on stability. Apple seems to be focused on squashing all the existing bugs and glitches that haven’t been addressed since iOS 18.5, the current version of the iPhone software.
How to Try iOS 18.6 Before Anyone Else
At the time of writing, iOS 18.6 is in its third beta . It’s unclear when Apple plans to officially release the update, but it’s likely to arrive before the fall, when the company plans to release iOS 26 to the general public.
You can try iOS 18.6 right now if you want, but keep in mind that you probably won’t notice anything new. If you sign up for Apple’s beta software program with your Apple account, you’ll see the iOS 18.6 beta under Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates . Keep in mind that because it’s a beta, you run the risk of the software having bugs and glitches, even if this update is meant to fix them.
Of course, the real beta to focus on is iOS 26. Apple is expected to release the first public beta of this update next week , and when that happens, you’ll see this update along with the iOS 18.6 beta.