iOS 18.6 Beta Coming Soon Alongside iOS 26 Beta

A leaker has revealed that the first iOS 18.6 beta is coming soon, with a build number of 22G5054d. Apple's software engineers have been testing iOS 18.6 since March, and the update is expected to be a minor one with bug fixes and security patches. Some smaller new features are also possible, although the update was initially expected to enable Apple Intelligence in China, which has been delayed due to regulatory hurdles. The iOS 18.6 update will likely be released in July, following the beta testing period. There is no evidence of an iOS 18.5.1 update being in the works, so Apple may jump straight to iOS 18.6. The update is expected to be similar to previous point-six updates, such as iOS 13.6, iOS 14.6, and iOS 15.6, which included various new features and bug fixes. A table outlining the history of iOS point-six updates shows the features and release dates of previous updates, including iOS 16.6 and iOS 17.6. After the release of iOS 18.6, there will likely be an iOS 18.7 update with additional security patches in September. Apple will then focus on the iOS 26 cycle, with iOS 26 having been in the spotlight recently. The release of iOS 18.6 will provide users with necessary bug fixes and security patches before the next major update.