Apple Has a Final iPhone Update Before iOS 26

Since WWDC 2025 in early June, the tech community has had its attention fixed on iOS 26. It makes sense: Like all major software updates, the new OS will ship with big new features and changes, but this year's changes are bigger than most, including Apple's "Liquid Glass" redesign. But despite the hoopla, iOS 26 isn't the next update coming to your iPhone (unless you install the beta, of course).

But even as Apple finalizes its big fall upgrade, it is subsequently 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 will not change much about your overall iPhone experience. That's to be expected: This is the sixth major update to iOS 18, so there aren't many features left for Apple to add. In fact, the only new feature to ship with iOS 18.6 applies exclusively to users in the EU. Those users will find an updated experience when downloading apps and app marketplaces from the web. (EU law forced Apple to allow for this app "sideloading" process, while those of us outside Europe are still locked in to Apple's App Store.)

Instead of big swings, iOS 18.6 seems to be all about stability. Apple appears to be focused on squashing any existing bugs and glitches that haven't been addressed since iOS 18.5, the current version of the iPhone's software.

How to try iOS 18.6 early

As of this piece, iOS 18.6 is on its third beta. As such, it's not clear when Apple plans to formally release the update, but it'll likely arrive before the fall, when the company plans to ship iOS 26 to the general public.

You can try out iOS 18.6 right now, if you want to, though be aware you probably won't notice anything new. If you enroll your Apple Account with Apple's beta program, you'll see the iOS 18.6 beta in Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Just be aware that, since this is a beta, you run the risk the software will contain bugs and glitches—even if this update is meant to squash them.

The real beta to focus on, of course, is iOS 26. Apple is expected to release the first public beta for this update next week, and when they do, you'll see this update alongside the iOS 18.6 beta.