Apple Releases iOS 18.6 Public Beta - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Releases iOS 18.6 Public Beta

Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 updates to public beta testers, with the betas coming just a few days after Apple provided the betas to developers.

iOS 18
Testers who have signed up for beta updates through Apple's beta site can download iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software Update.

When the developer betas came out earlier this week, we didn't find any notable new features. Apple initially planned to release Apple Intelligence in China in the iOS 18.6 beta, but that plan may have been delayed due to ongoing regulatory issues.

We don't know what's in iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, but the updates seem to focus on smaller changes and bug fixes.

Apple is also beta testing iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, and while betas are limited to developers right now, a public beta will be coming in July.

Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple Announces 2026 Pride Band Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper Article 2

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Monday May 4, 2026 8:40 am PDT by
iOS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app, and it will include a new Pride wallpaper and a...

Top Rated Comments

UliBaer Avatar
12 months ago
Waiting for positive (regarding reliability) comments on this one...

...maybe it is finally time to jump on from (thank god reliable) 17.7.2. ;)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tomtad Avatar
12 months ago
No, not that one. We want iOS 26

Regards,
The Public
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
It’s always something Avatar
12 months ago

I wonder why it's not just 18.5.1?
Maybe because it’s going to include AI for China? 🤷‍♂️ Or HomePod stuff?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
I wonder why it's not just 18.5.1?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
knappeduivel Avatar
12 months ago
Seems time for personalized ios naming. I'm on knappeduivelOS ∏.3
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
iOS 26?
Not yet - still to buggy and liquid for me right now.
May be I will join the 3rd public Beta …
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Related Apple News: Apple Ai Pin | Iphone 18 | Motoring | Ios 26 2 Make Your Iphone Screen Flash For Alerts | Siri