iOS 18.6 Release Notes: All New Features, Critical Fixes & How to Update Now

Apple has begun rolling out iOS 18.6 to all supported iPhones, and the official release notes confirm a short-but-important list of fixes and security patches that make this point update worth installing without delay. Key changes and fixes • Photos sharing bug squashed – iOS 18.6 resolves an issue that could stop “memory movies” from being shared from the Photos app, restoring the feature for anyone who edits and sends the automatic video montages created in Memories. • Security updates across the board – Apple’s security documentation lists multiple kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities that could allow arbitrary code execution; all are now patched in iOS 18.6. • EU-specific improvements – iOS 18.6 refines support for the region’s alternate-app-store framework introduced earlier in the cycle, smoothing installer reliability and payment flows for third-party marketplaces. • Stability boosts for Liquid Glass UI and Call Screening – early user reports and Apple’s dev notes cite fewer animation hitches in the dynamic Liquid Glass aesthetic and more accurate on-device transcription when using the Call Screening feature. Why this update matters Even without headline features, iOS 18.6 plugs security holes that attackers could theoretically exploit in the wild. Apple credits several independent researchers for responsibly disclosing flaws, underscoring that the update is preventative, not merely cosmetic. If you skipped 18.5 or any interim beta, you also inherit every prior enhancement, including the revamped Battery Health widget and extended Live Voicemail transcription in more languages. Compatible devices iOS 18.6 is available for all iPhones that already run iOS 18, starting with iPhone XS/XS Max/XR and including every model up to the current iPhone 16 Pro line. iPad users receive the identical patch set under iPadOS 18.6. How to download iOS 18.6 1. Open Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Tap “Download and Install.” 3. Keep your iPhone on Wi-Fi and plugged in until the progress bar completes; the file size averages 500–700 MB depending on device. 4. After the reboot, revisit Settings > General > About to verify “iOS 18.6” appears. Performance impressions Early testing on an iPhone 13, iPhone 15 Pro and SE (3rd gen) shows no battery drain anomalies and slightly faster app-launch times compared with 18.5. Benchmarks in Geekbench 6 remain statistically unchanged, indicating that Apple focused on polish rather than performance tuning this round. Tips before installing • Backup first: Use iCloud Backup or Finder/iTunes to archive your device in case you need to roll back. • Free up at least 5 GB: Temporary install files require headroom during the update. • Update watchOS and macOS afterward: Cross-platform services like Continuity Camera work best when every device is on the same patch level. Bottom line iOS 18.6 may look minor, but it delivers critical security fixes, a Photos sharing repair and smoother performance. For most iPhone owners, updating tonight is the easiest way to keep your device fast, secure and ready for whatever iOS 19 brings this fall.