iOS 18.6 Released - What's New?

Summary

In this video, Brandon discusses the release of iOS 18.6 after over a month of beta testing. He highlights key changes including bug fixes for Photos, a new CarPlay splash screen, updates to the EU App Store rules, and improvements to third-party app installations. He also touches on performance and battery life improvements, noting the resolution of keyboard lag and overall stability. Brandon speculates on potential future updates and provides insight into the overall user experience with iOS 18.6, emphasizing its reliability and performance for users, particularly in the EU.

Takeaways

• 😀 iOS and iPad OS 18.6 was released to the public after a month of beta testing, focusing on bug fixes and security updates.
• 😀 A major fix in iOS 18.6 resolves an issue in the Photos app where memory movies could not be shared due to crashes.
• 😀 iOS 18.6 introduces a new CarPlay splash screen that appears when connecting to CarPlay for the first time after the update.
• 😀 Apple changed the EU App Store rules to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), allowing EU developers to promote offers outside the App Store.
• 😀 iOS 18.6 removes warning screens when installing third-party marketplaces from the web in the EU, streamlining the process.
• 😀 Apple Intelligence has been delayed indefinitely in China, with no new AI features in iOS 18.6 outside of China.
• 😀 A known issue in iOS 18.6 makes health data inaccessible when reaching the slide to power off screen on an iPhone or iPad without a passcode.
• 😀 iOS 18.6 includes minor updates such as an improvement to the polling feature, now showing a graphic for 'sent a poll'.
• 😀 A keyboard lag issue that many iOS 18 users reported has been resolved in iOS 18.6, improving typing performance.
• 😀 Performance and battery life on iOS 18.6 are excellent, with devices running smoothly and staying cool even under load.
• 😀 iOS 18.6 is unlikely to be the final update for iOS 18, with the possibility of an iOS 18.7 release before iOS 26 arrives in September.

Q & A

What are the key changes in iOS 18.6?

iOS 18.6 introduces important bug fixes, security updates, and a fix for an issue in Photos that prevented memory movies from being shared. Additionally, there's a new CarPlay splash screen, changes in the EU app store rules, and an update to the process of installing third-party app marketplaces in the EU.

What issue related to Photos was fixed in iOS 18.6?

In iOS 18.6, Apple fixed an issue where users could not share memory movies created in the Photos app. Previously, attempting to share a movie with a new or suggested song would result in a crash. This bug has now been resolved.

What changes have been made to CarPlay in iOS 18.6?

In iOS 18.6, a new splash screen appears on the iPhone when connecting to CarPlay for the first time after the update.

How has the App Store been affected by iOS 18.6 in the EU?

iOS 18.6 introduces changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). It allows EU developers to promote digital goods or services available outside the App Store, such as on websites or alternative app marketplaces.

What is the new process for installing third-party app marketplaces in the EU with iOS 18.6?

In iOS 18.6, the installation of third-party app marketplaces has been simplified. Users no longer see warning screens when installing these marketplaces, and a two-step disclosure process is now in place. After the initial setup, future installs are as easy as downloading apps from the App Store.

What changes have been made to the installation of third-party app marketplaces in the US?

As of iOS 18.6, no changes have been made to the installation of third-party app marketplaces in the US. The new process applies only to the EU.

Has Apple Intelligence been introduced in China with iOS 18.6?

No, iOS 18.6 did not introduce Apple Intelligence to China, despite prior announcements. This feature has been delayed indefinitely and may not arrive until iOS 26 at the earliest.

What is the known issue mentioned in iOS 18.6's release notes?

The known issue in iOS 18.6 relates to health data becoming inaccessible when the 'slide to power off' screen appears on an iPhone or iPad without a passcode. The workaround is to either add a passcode or reboot the device.

What improvements to performance and battery life can users expect from iOS 18.6?

iOS 18.6 offers enhanced performance, with devices running the update showing smoother and more stable operation. Additionally, battery life has improved, especially for users who previously experienced issues with battery drain or device heating.

Is iOS 18.6 the final update for iOS 18?

While iOS 18.6 may be the final major point update (18.6.x), iOS 18 may continue receiving smaller updates, such as iOS 18.7 or incremental patches. iOS 18's final update may not arrive until September when iOS 26 is released.