iOS 18.6, scheduled for imminent release, focuses on user experience enhancements and bug fixes. While primarily a stability update, it includes two notable features for EU users, enabling third-party app marketplace installation and direct web downloads, reflecting Apple's adaptation to EU regulations.Beyond these EU-specific changes, iOS 18.6 refines existing functionalities across the operating system. Users can anticipate improvements in app responsiveness, reduced battery drain, and enhanced security protocols. Apple has also addressed several reported issues, including fixes for unexpected app crashes, keyboard glitches, and Bluetooth connectivity problems. The update underscores Apple's commitment to providing a seamless and reliable user experience, even in minor releases. As usual, users can download iOS 18.6 over-the-air via the Settings app.
Apple's iOS 26 (not iOS 19) is coming your way this fall with some cool new features you'll want to try. Here's what we're excited about: the iPhone is finally getting a fresh home and lock screen redesign dubbed Liquid Glass, a look and feel that will extend across all of Apple's upcoming operating systems. The overhaul was one of several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest of Apple's software suite, all of which were showcased during the company's WWDC keynote on June 9. If you're a developer, you can check out the iOS 26 beta 2 now; the public beta coming in July.
On the user-facing side, there are two changes coming related to app installation.
As detailed on this page, iOS and iPadOS 18.6 will offer a newly updated experience for users who:
Install third-party app marketplaces from the web
or install third-party apps from the web
In both cases, users should have a smoother, less fear-inducing time installing third-party marketplaces and apps directly from the web.
Current versions of iOS make both acts possible, but include warning screens that EU regulators seem to have taken issue with.
Moreover, the first beta version of iOS 18.6 was made available to developers on June 16, 2025 . While this beta has introduced some preliminary testing capabilities, it appears that Apple is simultaneously preparing for future iterations with a keen focus on iOS 26 set for release later in the year. As such, iOS 18.6 may serve as a transitional update that prioritizes essential security patches over groundbreaking new features .
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