iOS 18.6 RC ― Bug Fixes, Changes, and Improvements

[Banglazed]

iOS 18.6 RC

Release Date ― July 21, 2025
Build Number ― 22G84
Darwin Kernel Version ―

iOS 18.6 Beta Release Notes

Remaining Issues
Resolved Issues
Features:

Additional Notes

• Developers and testers can report bugs using the Feedback app. If you put your settings back on “None” for the betas, you can still open the app by entering the following URL in Safari:
  

  applefeedback://

• iOS 18 Preview
• iOS 18 Press Release
• iOS 18 Release Notes
• iOS Beta Release Notes
• iOS Security Updates

Spoiler: GUIDE: How to install?

To get the beta over-the-air:

1. Enable Beta Updates (Settings > General > Software Updates > Beta Updates)
2. Make sure you’re signed into the right Apple Account
3. Select which beta you’d like to receive (public/developer beta)
4. Hit "Back" and pull down to refresh
5. Back up to a computer or to iCloud
6. Install the beta

If you no longer wish to receive beta updates:

1. Turn off the Beta Updates (you can also sign out of your Apple Account to reset this setting)
2. Wait for the next public release or follow the guide below to go back to a release build

Troubleshooting: If the beta doesn’t show up on your phone, try turning on airplane mode, then turning it back off, or restart your device.

How to install using a Mac?

1. You’ll need the Xcode beta itself or a MobileDevice.pkg somebody extracted from the beta (click with two fingers or control-click), then choose Show Package Contents. Go to Contents/Resources/Packages. - this will work on older Macs that do not support the latest macOS or Xcode betas)
2. Back up to your Mac or to iCloud in case you need to go back to another version
3. Hold down Option, then click on ‘Check for Update’/‘Restore iPhone...’ and select the IPSW file you downloaded from the Apple Developer site. Note: You must be connected to the internet to complete the restore.
4. Enter your iPhone passcode if you’re prompted to do so.

Notes/Tips:

• Always keep a backup in case you need to restore your phone
• Restoring wipes your settings and all data on your iPhone
• You only need to reinstall MobileDevice.pkg if your Mac stops recognizing your iPhone
• There is no MobileDevice.pkg equivalent to iTunes for PC which would require a new iTunes to support new/beta iOS
• Upgrading to a newer iPhone? You can update using your Mac before setting up the phone

Spoiler: Modem Firmware

• iPhone 16 series: 1.70.02
• iPhone 16e: 1.0.13
• iPhone 15 series: 2.70.02
• iPhone 14 series: 3.60.02
• iPhone 13 series and iPhone SE (3rd gen): 4.70.01
• iPhone 12 series: 5.10.01
• iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPad Air (Cellular, 4th gen): 6.01.01
• iPhone XS, XS Max and XR: 7.01.01

Spoiler: Carrier Version

Australia

• Optus - 51.0
• Telstra - 55.0
• Vodafone AU - 64.5.5

Belgium

• BASE - 33.0
• Orange B - 58
• Proximus - 45.0
• Telenet - 64.5.6

Brazil (updated 26b1r2, unchanged from 26b1)

• Claro Brasil - 64.5.4
• Vivo - 64.5.4
• TIM -
• Oi -

Canada

• Bell - 62.8
• Fido - 56.0
• Fizz - 53.0
• Freedom/Shaw Mobile - 54.8.6
• Mint Mobile - 58.0
• Public Mobile - 54.8.4
• Rogers - 64.3
• Telus - 54.8.8
• Videotron - 53.0
• Virgin Mobile - 50.0

Denmark

• 3 DK - 46.7.11
• TDC 64.0
• Norlys 64.0.1

Finland

• DNA - 58.5.7

France

• Bouygues Telecom - 40.0
• Orange France - 63.0
• Free - 64.0
• SFR -

Germany

• Vodafone.de - 62.8.1 and RCS enabled
• Telekom.de - 64.5.6 and RCS enabled
• o2-de - 61.6.1 RCS enabled

Greece:

• Cosmote - 38.0

Guatemala

• TIGO GT - 49.0

India

• Airtel - 58.5.18
• Jio - 58.5.18 (iPhone) and 58.5.18 (iPad)
• Vi India (Vodafone Idea) - 58.5

Ireland

• Eir - 33.5
• Vodafone IE - 38.0

Mexico

• AT&T - 57.0
• Telcel - 57.6

Morocco

• Orange - 50.0

Netherlands

• KPN - 61.0
• Vodafone NL - 45.0
• Odido -

Poland

• T-Mobile - 64.5.4
• Orange - 64.5.2
• Play - 61.0
• Plus - 61.0

Portugal

• Vodafone P - 40.0

Romania

• Orange RO - 55.0

Slovakia

• Orange SK - 57.6

Southeast Asia

• Singapore Singtel -
• Philippines Globe - 62.0
• Philippines Globe (iPad) - 38.0
• Philippines Smart - 63.0
• Thailand AIS - 53.0
• Thailand DTAC - 53.0
• Malaysia Umobile - 33.0
• Malaysia Maxis -33.0
• Malaysia Digi -
• Malaysia celcom -
• Hong Kong - 32.0
• Taiwan -

Spain

• Orange ES - 64.5.5
• DIGI ES - 54.8.4
• Vodafone ES - 54.8.8
• Movistar - 58.0
• Yoigo - 63.0

Sweden

• Comviq -
• Tre - 31.0

Switzerland

• Salt - 58.0
• Sunrise - 63.0
• Swisscom - 63.0

Turkey

• Turkcell (Lifecell) - 36.5.5
• Vodafone TR - 32.0
• Turk Telekom - 32.0

United Kingdom

• BT-UK (EE MVNO) -
• EE - 64.0
• Giffgaff (O2 MVNO) -
• iD Mobile (Three MVNO) - 64.2
• Lebara (Vodafone MVNO) -
• Mozillion (EE MVNO) - 63.5.1
• Lyca (EE MVNO) -
• O2-UK -
• Sky (O2 MVNO) -
• Three - 64.2
• Virgin Mobile (EE MVNO) -
• Vodafone UK -

United States

• AT&T - 64.0.1
• Boost - 57.0
• Cricket - 60.5.5
• FirstNet - 55.0
• FirstNet (iPad) - 41.7.6
• Metro (TMO MVNO) - 64.5.12
• Spectrum (VZW MVNO) - 64.0.1
• T-Mobile - 64.0.1
• TracFone/Straight Talk/Walmart Family Mobile - 63.5
• U.S. Cellular - 46.7.24
• Ultra/Mint Mobile (TMO MVNO) - 64.0
• Verizon - 64.0
• Visible (VZW MVNO) - 62.0
• Xfinity Mobile - 57.6.1

Other

• Docomo - 32.5.10
• AlwaysOnline -

Historical beta release chart

iOS Version History Chart

iOS version history chart

www.thinkybits.com

 

[roncron]

RC installed on my 15PM after a quick download, 8-10 minutes of preparing, and 4-5 minutes of installing.

I understand that folks on iOS 26 are eager for beta 4. Maybe they'll express those feelings on forum posts devoted to iOS 26 betas instead of here.

 

[tosbsas]

It Shows as Beta 4 here

 

[UliBaer]

In Europe (Germany) it also shows as 18.6 beta 4 on the public beta channel, but it is a huge (complete) download, indicating it is essentially the RC.

 

[tosbsas]

Yep. German Download here too although I am in Perú

 

[thadoggfather]

hows the battery life? (5 seconds after installing)

 

[mikelets456]

hows the battery life? (5 seconds after installing)

It’s great!!! It’s been 20 seconds and the percentage hasn’t dropped!

 

[gwang73]

It Shows as Beta 4 here

All the releases show as beta 4 but they are all the RC build after installing.

 

[roncron]

It’s great!!! It’s been 20 seconds and the percentage hasn’t dropped!

% drop in 1 minute = 3 * % drop in 20 seconds
= 3 * 0
= 0

% drop in 1 hour = 60 * % drop in 1 minute
= 60 * 0
= 0

% drop in 24 hours = ... = 0

By extrapolation, battery life is infinite under the 18.6 RC.

Try to beat that, iOS 26!

 

[James6s]

A pretty big download @ 7.65gb on my 16 Pro.

Early thoughts after a few hours…

When I first powered on my 16 Pro last month I had to update it to 18.6 public beta 2 in order to do a data transfer, so all I’ve experienced is early 18.6 beta since using the device.

This one feels nice and the best so far! App opening and content load times are quicker, overall fluidity and smoothness have generally improved across the board.

Battery life tbc.

 

[thatJohann]

Hesitating to install as it says beta 4. How are we sure it’s RC?

 

[Mlrollin91]

Hesitating to install as it says beta 4. How are we sure it’s RC?

Its listed as RC on the developer portal. Same build number.

 

[Kylo83]

Doubt it but keyboard lag is still there isn’t it, I have such a delay in typing on 16 pro max

 

[thatJohann]

Its listed as RC on the developer portal. Same build number.

Alright took the plunge on my 16 Plus. Just weird that after installing it still says it’s a beta. They need to have more attention to detail for sure to clear up the wording.

 

[Mlrollin91]

Alright took the plunge on my 16 Plus. Just weird that after installing it still says it’s a beta. They need to have more attention to detail for sure to clear up the wording.

I agree, its definitely sloppy. Makes me believe there will be a second RC with a 1-2 increase on the build number. But either way, substantively, this is the final release build.

 

[Mlrollin91]

Doubt it but keyboard lag is still there isn’t it, I have such a delay in typing on 16 pro max

What keyboard lag? I had a little keyboard lag on my 16PM on iOS 18.1, but after a restore, it never returned.

 

[thatJohann]

Wow this feels significantly better and smoother than iOS 18.5. First iOS update I see a difference so noticeable. Very impressed. Running on 16 Plus.

 

[mikelets456]

Wow this feels significantly better and smoother than iOS 18.5. First iOS update I see a difference so noticeable. Very impressed. Running on 16 Plus.

Beta 2 and beta 3 of 18.6 were much better than 18.5….enjoy!

 

[ibookemo]

Beta 2 and beta 3 of 18.6 were much better than 18.5….enjoy!

Well I’m looking forward to installing the final release this/next week. I’m on 18.5 and it has been 95% perfect for me. An improvement on this will be very welcome indeed. Getting darn close to a perfect OS.

The downside is that it always takes almost a year for the OS to get this good. For this reason, I’m going to hold off on iOS 26 until about December, if I can not give into the temptation.

Wouldn’t it be nice to skip all the bugs of a new major OS release? That’s my plan this time. iOS 18 will be hard to beat.

 

[klasma]

The downside is that it always takes almost a year for the OS to get this good. For this reason, I’m going to hold off on iOS 26 until about December, if I can not give into the temptation.

Wouldn’t it be nice to skip all the bugs of a new major OS release? That’s my plan this time. iOS 18 will be hard to beat.

I’ve been doing this for a while, only updating to new major versions in spring or summer. It also significantly reduces the constant update churn.

 

[rsnhakan]

Wow this feels significantly better and smoother than iOS 18.5. First iOS update I see a difference so noticeable. Very impressed. Running on 16 Plus.

No difference here at all..

 

[thatJohann]

No difference here at all..

What iPhone are you using?
My 16 Plus was constantly laggy with slowdowns on 18.5 especially when typing. Those seem to be gone on 18.6. Very dramatic difference. At least for me.

 

[James6s]

Very happy with this RC. It was running 18.6 beta 2 out of the box (to transfer data) I thought the battery life was poor since setting up & now my 16 Pro is flying and even so soon after the update the battery drain has reduced vs previous betas.

 

[hafizaislam]

iOS 18.6 RC

Release Date ― July 21, 2025
Build Number ― 22G84
Darwin Kernel Version ―

iOS 18.6 Beta Release Notes

Remaining Issues
Resolved Issues
Features:

Additional Notes

• Developers and testers can report bugs using the Feedback app. If you put your settings back on “None” for the betas, you can still open the app by entering the following URL in Safari:
• iOS 18 Preview
• iOS 18 Press Release
• iOS 18 Release Notes
• iOS Beta Release Notes
• iOS Security Updates

Spoiler: GUIDE: How to install?

To get the beta over-the-air:

1. Enable Beta Updates (Settings > General > Software Updates > Beta Updates)
2. Make sure you’re signed into the right Apple Account
3. Select which beta you’d like to receive (public/developer beta)
4. Hit "Back" and pull down to refresh
5. Back up to a computer or to iCloud
6. Install the beta

If you no longer wish to receive beta updates:

1. Turn off the Beta Updates (you can also sign out of your Apple Account to reset this setting)
2. Wait for the next public release or follow the guide below to go back to a release build

Troubleshooting: If the beta doesn’t show up on your phone, try turning on airplane mode, then turning it back off, or restart your device.

How to install using a Mac?

1. You’ll need the Xcode beta itself or a MobileDevice.pkg somebody extracted from the beta (click with two fingers or control-click), then choose Show Package Contents. Go to Contents/Resources/Packages. - this will work on older Macs that do not support the latest macOS or Xcode betas)
2. Back up to your Mac or to iCloud in case you need to go back to another version
3. Hold down Option, then click on ‘Check for Update’/‘Restore iPhone...’ and select the IPSW file you downloaded from the Apple Developer site. Note: You must be connected to the internet to complete the restore.
4. Enter your iPhone passcode if you’re prompted to do so.

Notes/Tips:

• Always keep a backup in case you need to restore your phone
• Restoring wipes your settings and all data on your iPhone
• You only need to reinstall MobileDevice.pkg if your Mac stops recognizing your iPhone
• There is no MobileDevice.pkg equivalent to iTunes for PC which would require a new iTunes to support new/beta iOS
• Upgrading to a newer iPhone? You can update using your Mac before setting up the phone

Spoiler: Modem Firmware

• iPhone 16 series: 1.70.02
• iPhone 16e: 1.0.13
• iPhone 15 series: 2.70.02
• iPhone 14 series: 3.60.02
• iPhone 13 series and iPhone SE (3rd gen): 4.70.01
• iPhone 12 series: 5.10.01
• iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPad Air (Cellular, 4th gen): 6.01.01
• iPhone XS, XS Max and XR: 7.01.01

Spoiler: Carrier Version

Australia

• Optus - 51.0
• Telstra - 55.0
• Vodafone AU - 64.5.5

Belgium

• BASE - 33.0
• Orange B - 58
• Proximus - 45.0
• Telenet - 64.5.6

Brazil (updated 26b1r2, unchanged from 26b1)

• Claro Brasil - 64.5.4
• Vivo - 64.5.4
• TIM -
• Oi -

Canada

• Bell - 62.8
• Fido - 56.0
• Fizz - 53.0
• Freedom/Shaw Mobile - 54.8.6
• Mint Mobile - 58.0
• Public Mobile - 54.8.4
• Rogers - 64.3
• Telus - 54.8.8
• Videotron - 53.0
• Virgin Mobile - 50.0

Denmark

• 3 DK - 46.7.11
• TDC 64.0
• Norlys 64.0.1

Finland

• DNA - 58.5.7

France

• Bouygues Telecom - 40.0
• Orange France - 63.0
• Free - 64.0
• SFR -

Germany

• Vodafone.de - 62.8.1 and RCS enabled
• Telekom.de - 64.5.6 and RCS enabled
• o2-de - 61.6.1 RCS enabled

Greece:

• Cosmote - 38.0

Guatemala

• TIGO GT - 49.0

India

• Airtel - 58.5.18
• Jio - 58.5.18 (iPhone) and 58.5.18 (iPad)
• Vi India (Vodafone Idea) - 58.5

Ireland

• Eir - 33.5
• Vodafone IE - 38.0

Mexico

• AT&T - 57.0
• Telcel - 57.6

Morocco

• Orange - 50.0

Netherlands

• KPN - 61.0
• Vodafone NL - 45.0
• Odido -

Poland

• T-Mobile - 64.5.4
• Orange - 64.5.2
• Play - 61.0
• Plus - 61.0

Portugal

• Vodafone P - 40.0

Romania

• Orange RO - 55.0

Slovakia

• Orange SK - 57.6

Southeast Asia

• Singapore Singtel -
• Philippines Globe - 62.0
• Philippines Globe (iPad) - 38.0
• Philippines Smart - 63.0
• Thailand AIS - 53.0
• Thailand DTAC - 53.0
• Malaysia Umobile - 33.0
• Malaysia Maxis -33.0
• Malaysia Digi -
• Malaysia celcom -
• Hong Kong - 32.0
• Taiwan -

Spain

• Orange ES - 64.5.5
• DIGI ES - 54.8.4
• Vodafone ES - 54.8.8
• Movistar - 58.0
• Yoigo - 63.0

Sweden

• Comviq -
• Tre - 31.0

Switzerland

• Salt - 58.0
• Sunrise - 63.0
• Swisscom - 63.0

Turkey

• Turkcell (Lifecell) - 36.5.5
• Vodafone TR - 32.0
• Turk Telekom - 32.0

United Kingdom

• BT-UK (EE MVNO) -
• EE - 64.0
• Giffgaff (O2 MVNO) -
• iD Mobile (Three MVNO) - 64.2
• Lebara (Vodafone MVNO) -
• Mozillion (EE MVNO) - 63.5.1
• Lyca (EE MVNO) -
• O2-UK -
• Sky (O2 MVNO) -
• Three - 64.2
• Virgin Mobile (EE MVNO) -
• Vodafone UK -

United States

• AT&T - 64.0.1
• Boost - 57.0
• Cricket - 60.5.5
• FirstNet - 55.0
• FirstNet (iPad) - 41.7.6
• Metro (TMO MVNO) - 64.5.12
• Spectrum (VZW MVNO) - 64.0.1
• T-Mobile - 64.0.1
• TracFone/Straight Talk/Walmart Family Mobile - 63.5
• U.S. Cellular - 46.7.24
• Ultra/Mint Mobile (TMO MVNO) - 64.0
• Verizon - 64.0
• Visible (VZW MVNO) - 62.0
• Xfinity Mobile - 57.6.1

Other

• Docomo - 32.5.10
• AlwaysOnline -

Historical beta release chart

iOS Version History Chart

iOS version history chart

www.thinkybits.com

Anyone else getting better battery life on iOS 18.6 RC? Or still the same? 🤔

 

[jha]

Battery better than 18.5?