Apple has now released iOS 18.6, which should be the last update before iOS 26 lands in September. It fixes a small bug in Photos that could prevent memory movies from being generated, and also includes two dozen security updates.
There are some changes specifically for the EU, related to Apple’s new policies and interface for installing third-party app stores or app directly from the web. For everyone else, expect just security updates and a minor bug or two fixed.
iOS 18.6: Release notes
The release notes for iOS 18.6 are short and simple:
This update provides important bug fixes and security updates, and fixes an issue in Photos that could prevent memory movies from being shared.
iOS 18.6: Security updates
Apple’s security content page is far more extensive than its release. There are 24 specific security fixes listed, including several for Apple’s Safari WebKit engine that could lead to crashes and denial of service. Additionally, there is a patch for Mail Drafts that could load remote content even when the “Load Remote Images” setting is turned off. If for no other reason, go get iOS 18.6 for these fixes alone.
iOS 18.6: EU App Store changes
Apple is rolling out new App Store guidelines and a new user experience for those in the EU, in an attempt to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Critics say Apple’s new terms are intentionally confusing, do not comply with EU law, and punish developers even more than before should they choose to avoid the App Store and distribute their apps themselves.
iOS 18.6 includes a new user experience when customers attempt to install an alternative app marketplace or install apps directly from the web. This only applies to customers in the EU.
iOS 18.6: How to install
To install the iOS 18.6 beta on your iPhone, head over to the Settings app, then General and Software Update, and follow the prompts. If you’re already running the iOS 26 beta and want to revert, you can erase your iPhone, turn off beta updates, and install the iOS 18.6 beta.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.