Apple has just released a new beta, and iOS 18.6 beta 1 is now available. Following the release of iOS 18.5, Apple has just released a new beta of what may be one of the last iOS 18 updates, as iOS 26 has now been officially unveiled.
iOS 18.5 had four official betas, so we expect to see at least as many as iOS 18.6. Along with this update, Apple also released the first betas of iPadOS 18.6, watchOS 11.6, and macOS 15.6.
What’s new in iOS 18.6 beta 1
The official details of this update are still unknown; we’re currently downloading it to test it on the iPhone. If we find any relevant updates, we’ll update you with these improvements.
This sixth system update is likely to arrive with few new features, as efforts are focused on iOS 26. Therefore, we don’t expect major improvements in iOS 18.6, just as we didn’t find many improvements in iOS 18.5. iOS 18.6 is an update that should arrive at the end of July.
How to install iOS 18.6 beta 1
Apple allows any user to install beta versions of its operating systems, although these versions are intended for developers and are not recommended for major devices due to potential bugs or instability.
If you want to try iOS 18.6 beta 1 on your iPhone, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Go to the Apple Developer Program site and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Make sure that the same Apple account is synced on the iPhone where you want to install the beta.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Wait a few seconds for the Beta Updates option to appear.
- Tap that section and select iOS 18.6 Developer Beta from the list.
- Go back. The iOS 18.6 beta should appear as available for download and installation.
Once you complete these steps, your device will download the beta version as if it were a normal system update. You’ll also be able to receive all iOS 18 beta updates from now on, and you’ll also be able to try out iOS 26, which is now officially available in beta.
