Apple has released the first beta version of iOS 18.6 for developers and the public. This update is likely the final major software update in the iOS 18 cycle before Apple launches iOS 26 later this year, alongside the new iPhone 17 series.
Unlike iOS 26, which brings major design and AI changes, iOS 18.6 focuses mainly on performance improvements and bug fixes. The stable release is expected to arrive in July 2025.
What’s New in iOS 26?
Apple previewed iOS 26 at its WWDC 2025 event. This update introduces the new Liquid Glass design language, featuring translucent layers, fluid animations, redesigned app icons, and more personalization options for the Home and Lock Screens.
iOS 26 also focuses on AI-powered features under Apple Intelligence. Key additions include:
- Live translations across apps
- Intelligent content suggestions
- Context-aware actions
- Genmoji creation and image generation
- ChatGPT support and order tracking in Mail
Core apps like Safari, Camera, and Photos get cleaner layouts and improved navigation. The Phone app combines Recents, Favorites, and Voicemail into one view, and adds Call Screening and Hold Assist.
The Messages app gains sender screening, typing indicators in group chats, polls, and Apple Cash integration. A new Apple Games app will offer a hub for game progress, discovery, and Apple Arcade access.
CarPlay will see improvements such as compact call displays, pinned chats, widget support, and Live Activities in CarPlay Ultra.
Other upgrades include lyrics translation and AutoMix in Apple Music, encrypted location history in Maps, real-time travel updates in Wallet, and several accessibility improvements.
iOS 26 Compatibility
iOS 26 will support all iPhones from iPhone 11 series and newer. However, advanced Apple Intelligence features will only be available on iPhones with the A17 chip or newer, including:
- iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series (all models)
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
Eligible iPhone Models for iOS 26 Include:
iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16, 16e, 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Plus, 15, 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14, 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13, 13 mini, 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, 12 mini, 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, and 11.
