iOS 18.6 Update Preview: What’s Coming Before iOS 26?

The iOS 18.6 update is coming soon, and while it’s not packed with flashy new features, it’s still worth paying attention to—especially if you’re using an older iPhone. This update is shaping up to be the last major release before Apple jumps to iOS 26 later this year, and it brings some important refinements, regional feature expansions, and signals for what’s ahead.

Here’s what to know about iOS 18.6 before it drops.

When Does iOS 18.6 Drop?

Apple hasn’t confirmed an exact date yet, but based on the beta cycle and past release patterns, I expect iOS 18.6 to land in early to mid-July 2025. Likely candidates include July 7 or July 14. A developer beta is right around the corner, and a public beta should be close behind.

What’s New in the iOS 18.6 Update?

This update isn’t about major redesigns—it’s all about polish.

• Apple Intelligence Comes to China: Apple is enabling its new AI features in China for the first time, powered by local partners like Baidu and Alibaba. This is a big deal for users in that region, especially given how AI-focused Apple’s future strategy is.
• System Stability and Performance Tweaks: If you’re on an older device, iOS 18.6 is bringing one last round of refinements to keep things running smooth. No splashy features, but you might notice better responsiveness and fewer bugs.
• Last Hurrah for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR: Apple has confirmed these models won’t support iOS 26. That makes iOS 18.6 the final major version for these devices, so it’s a good time to get your phone into the best shape possible before software support ends.

Should You Update to iOS 18.6?

If you’re using one of the older models mentioned above, the answer is yes—absolutely. It’s your last chance to get official Apple updates, and it should bring small but welcome improvements to performance and stability.

For everyone else, iOS 18.6 will be a nice stopgap while we wait for iOS 26 to arrive with the big features teased at WWDC. Unless you’re a beta tester jumping into iOS 26 early, this update should be a safe and solid one to install.

Looking Ahead to iOS 26

Once Apple releases iOS 18.6, all eyes will turn to iOS 26, which Apple plans to announce at WWDC on June 9, 2025. Early reports suggest the company is skipping iOS 19 entirely to align the version number with the year.

Expect a developer beta to launch right after the WWDC keynote, with a public release likely happening in September 2025 alongside the next iPhone lineup.

If you’re still hanging on to your iPhone XS or XR, iOS 18.6 is your last official stop. But even for newer devices, it’s a low-risk update that sets the stage for the next era of Apple software.

Stay tuned for more updates as the final release gets closer.

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 11 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.