Apple has released release candidate versions of iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 to developers and public beta testers, a week after the third betas were seeded. These release candidates represent the final software versions intended for public release, assuming no further bugs are identified. Users can download these updates via the Settings app under General > Software Update on compatible devices.
While no significant new features have been discovered in the iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 betas, changes to the App Store within the EU are anticipated due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). There were also rumors that Apple aimed to introduce Apple Intelligence to China with iOS 18.6, but regulatory obstacles have reportedly postponed this expansion. Consequently, iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 are expected to primarily focus on minor adjustments and bug fixes.
Concurrently, Apple is reportedly concluding development on iOS 18 to concentrate on iOS 26. iOS 26 is currently undergoing beta testing and is slated for a September launch, coinciding with the release of new iPhone 17 models.
