Apple has released the second public beta versions of its upcoming iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 updates, offering registered beta testers access to the latest pre-release builds. This release comes just a day after Apple seeded the second developer betas of both updates, continuing the company’s typical testing cycle ahead of wider public rollout.
Public beta testers who have already enrolled their devices via Apple’s beta testing website can install the new updates by navigating to Settings, tapping on General, and then selecting Software Update. The installation process remains straightforward for those familiar with Apple’s beta deployment structure, allowing users to receive over-the-air updates once their devices are registered.
The iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 updates are considered minor in scope, focusing largely on bug fixes and security enhancements that aim to improve system stability. While most changes remain behind the scenes, Apple is implementing additional adjustments to the App Store within the European Union. These changes reflect Apple’s ongoing compliance with regional regulations, particularly as the EU continues to enforce policies requiring more flexible app distribution and payment options.
No significant new features have been highlighted in the current beta releases, which is typical for updates nearing the end of an operating system’s annual lifecycle. Apple and long-time beta testers recommend avoiding installation of beta software on primary devices, as pre-release builds can introduce unexpected issues that may disrupt daily use. Testing on secondary devices remains the preferred approach to avoid any operational interruptions.
This stage of iOS 18’s update cycle signals its gradual sunset, as Apple prepares for the upcoming launch of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, both of which are currently in early beta testing phases. Public betas for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are expected to be released later this month, with general availability likely scheduled for September alongside Apple’s annual iPhone launch event.
For users focused on device security and performance, installing the final version of iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 when officially released is still recommended, as incremental updates often resolve vulnerabilities and system bugs discovered since the last major release. However, for those eager to explore Apple’s broader software roadmap, attention will soon shift to iOS 26, which is expected to introduce larger interface updates and new AI-driven features as Apple refines its operating system ecosystem for the next generation of devices.
