Apple released iOS 18.6 to the current generation of Apple phone software. The new update is an interim release, but it significantly focuses on bug fixes and security issues.
The software update is free of cost and available for all compatible iPhone devices, including iPadOS 18.6 for iPad. There is a feature where you can check whether your iPad is compatible or not.
The iOS 18.6 is crucial for iPhone users because the new update fixes more than 20 security issues, including a zero-day exploit in WebKit (the engine for Safari Web Browser). Fixed security flaws can be seen at Apple Support.
An important bug fix in this release is a "feature fix" for the Photos app that prevented users from sharing “memory movies” with others. There are other fixes as well, such as app crashes and micro-stutters.
For users in the European Union, Apple complied with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Now, there is no compulsion to download apps from Apple’s App Store. Instead, they can install an alternative app marketplace or app store to download apps
EU users can also directly download the app from the developer’s website without using any app store at all. The DMA law was created by the European Union to prevent the monopoly of big companies like Apple over their platforms.
iOS 18.6 release does not introduce new features because Apple is now focusing on iOS 26, which is currently in a beta testing phase.
Given all the major security updates, users with compatible devices need to update to iOS 18.6 on their devices to secure themselves from any potential threat.
Follow this process: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. It would take 10 minutes to download and install, depending on the speed of your internet.
Yes, iOS 18.6 is completely secure and resolves critical security issues.
