Apple rolled out iOS 18.6 on July 29, just ahead of the anticipated iOS 26 release this fall. While the upcoming update promises exciting features like Liquid Glass for your iPhone, iOS 18.6 takes a more conservative approach. This latest update focuses primarily on patches for numerous bugs and security vulnerabilities rather than introducing any new features.
You can easily download iOS 18.6 by navigating to Settings, then General, selecting Software Update, and tapping Update Now to follow the prompts.
This update patches a zero-day flaw and other issues
According to Apple, iOS 18.6 addresses around two dozen security issues and bugs. One notable vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-6558, can be exploited through WebKit, Apple’s internet browser engine used in Safari. This crucial fix addresses a high-severity flaw, emphasizing the importance of updating your device.
The vulnerability was uncovered by Google’s Threat Analysis Group, confirming that an exploit already exists in the wild. Therefore, it’s prudent to download iOS 18.6 immediately to safeguard your iPhone from potential attacks.
Are there any new features in iOS 18.6?
After thoroughly testing iOS 18.6 during the beta period, it appears there are no new features or enhancements to report. Historically, Apple tends to reserve any major updates for significant releases, often releasing several important patches before the next version.
For reference, Apple launched iOS 17.6 in July 2024, which similarly focused on bug fixes without adding new features. This pattern can be traced back to previous iterations, like iOS 16.6, which also reiterated the significance of security and stability over new functionality. With iOS 26 on the horizon, it’s evident that Apple is channeling resources into preparing for future enhancements.
Despite the lack of new features in iOS 18.6, updating is crucial to ensure your device remains secure and operates smoothly, particularly in light of the aforementioned zero-day flaw.
iOS 18.6 release notes
The release notes for iOS 18.6 are succinct, stating, “This update provides important bug fixes and security updates, fixing an issue in Photos that may inhibit sharing memory movies.” For a comprehensive look at the security content this update offers, visit Apple’s dedicated page outlining all security updates.
As you delve deeper into iOS 18, consider also checking out versions like iOS 18.5 and iOS 18.4, along with our in-depth iOS cheat sheet. Don’t forget about the upcoming iOS 26 and explore my first impressions of the new iOS software.