iOS 18.6 Rolls Out with Key Fixes—Should You Update Now?

Apple has issued its iOS 18.6 update, introducing over two dozen security improvements and resolving a persistent problem in the Photos app. The release, available to iPhone models dating back to 2018, marks the final major update before Apple transitions to iOS 26 this fall.

With iOS 18.6, Apple has addressed 24 documented security vulnerabilities. A separate correction was also included for an issue affecting the sharing of memory movies in the Photos application. According to Apple’s documentation, several flaws involved the WebKit engine, the foundation of the Safari browser. These flaws could potentially lead to unauthorized information access or spoofed web content when interacting with malicious sites.

Among the security issues resolved, one was particularly severe: a vulnerability labeled CVE-2025-6558. Originally discovered in Google Chrome, the flaw relates to improper input validation in the ANGLE graphics layer, which manages GPU command translation. Reports indicate that this flaw had been used in active zero-day attacks, enabling threat actors to bypass browser sandbox protections and execute malicious code remotely.

Apple’s release notes reference possible system crashes caused by the vulnerability, although technical specifics were limited. Security researchers advise users to ensure both iOS and Chrome browsers are updated to prevent exposure to this exploit.

The update remains compatible with all devices supported under the iOS 18 cycle. That includes iPhone Xs, Xs Max, XR, and subsequent models, including both generations of the iPhone SE and the full iPhone 16 lineup. However, starting with iOS 26, Apple will discontinue support for devices older than the iPhone 11. The upcoming OS is scheduled for general release in September.

As iOS 18 enters its final phase, Apple has refrained from introducing new features in this version. The emphasis remains on stability, performance improvements, and security integrity. The company confirmed that no major functionalities have been added.

The Photos app fix resolves an issue that hindered the sharing of memory movies, though it appears to have affected a limited user base. Additionally, accessibility bugs were addressed — one involving VoiceOver potentially reading out passcodes, and another involving incorrect display of camera and microphone indicators.

How to Install the Update

Users can install iOS 18.6 by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update, selecting Download and Install. The update file is approximately 1.07 GB in size, depending on the device.

Barring any unforeseen problems, Apple’s next major software release will be iOS 26, now in public beta testing. It will drop the previous naming pattern in favor of a version tied to the operating year, with full deployment expected in September.