You can now download and install iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 RC (Release Candidate) update on iPhone and iPad.
Apple Releases iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 RC update for iPhone and iPad Users, Download it Today
I’m sure you were expecting Apple to release iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 developer beta 4 today. Clearly, that did not happen.
Users of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 have something to look forward to instead, and that’s iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, but the Release Candidate version with build number 22G84.
If you have been testing out iOS 18.6 or iPadOS 18.6 beta 3, then go right ahead and install the RC by following these steps:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Tap on Update Now when you see beta 4 become available.
The RC is the final build of the software which will become available for everyone to download next week. All you have to do is sign up to the public beta of the update and the update will become available to you immediately.
iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 do not bring new features to iPhone and iPad. These updates focus on fixing bugs and improving the overall stability, which is equally as important than any other update.
Since the full and final version of iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 is just a week away, I will recommend waiting a little bit longer in order to download and install it.
Coming back to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 for a second, the first public beta will be released this week for all compatible devices. If you have been waiting patiently for the update to arrive, then make sure you prepare yourself ahead of time too.
I will recommend installing the update on a spare iPhone or iPad. Though public beta software is relatively stable compared to early developer betas, it’s better you do not put your primary device at risk.
Once we are at least five betas deep into the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 lifecycle, things will start to stabilize a lot. Enough to use the software on a primary device, though still somewhat risky.
