Apple has released iOS 18.6, along with a warning to update your iPhone now.
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Update July 30: This article, originally published July 29, has been updated to include details of other upgrades issued alongside iOS 18.6.
Apple has released iOS 18.6, along with a warning to update your iPhone now. That’s because iOS 18.6 comes with a hefty list of 29 security fixes, some of which plug serious holes in iOS.
Apple doesn’t give much information about the bugs squashed in iOS 18.6, to give people as much time to update as possible before attackers can get hold of the details. However, iOS 18.6 fixes multiple flaws in WebKit, the engine that supports the Safari browser, according to the iPhone maker’s support page.
Tracked as CVE-2025-4322, one of the issues patched in WebKit could see sensitive user information exposed, if a user processes maliciously crafted web content. Meanwhile, a trio of CVEs patched in iOS 18.6 could lead to memory corruption as a result of processing maliciously crafted web content.
Apple’s iOS 18.6 also fixes a flaw in CoreMedia Playback that could enable an app to access user-sensitive data.
The Impact Of The Issues Fixed In iOS 18.6
Of the issues patched in iOS 18.6, Daniel Card, an independent cybersecurity consultant, highlights a flaw which could see your passcode read out by VoiceOver. Meanwhile, another WebKit issue could see address bar spoofing, if you visit a malicious website, he says.
Most of the issues patched in iOS 18.6 are specific to WebKit, “which by its very nature are more likely to be exploited remotely,” says Sean Wright, head of application security at Featurespace.
For the most part, the impact of the vulnerabilities fixed in iOS 18.6 is limited, Wright says. However, it is important to note that flaws including CVE-2025-43227 do have more of an impact and “thus carry more risk,” according to Wright.
OS 18.6 comes with a hefty list of 29 security fixes, some of which plug serious holes in iOS.
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Other Updates Issued Alongside iOS and iPadOS 18.6
Alongside iOS 18.6, Apple has also released iPadOS 17.7.9 — a security only update for users of devices that can’t update to iPadOS 18. The update is available for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation, iPad Pro 10.5-inch and iPad 6th generation.
Note that there are no iPhones on this list. This is because Apple is not allowing users of older iPhones to stay on iOS 17, as all models are compatible with the newer version of the operating system.
If you do own an older iPad that can’t update to iPadOS 18, iPadOS 17.7.9 is worth applying, as it includes a big list of fixes. Patches include several WebKit flaws and a patch for the Kernel at the heart of the iPadOS operating system that could allow a remote attacker to cause unexpected system termination. None of the flaws are being used in attacks, but it’s still worth updating ASAP.
As well as iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 17.7.9 Apple has also released other updates for its devices. These include macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7 and macOS Ventura 13.7.7 for macs. Apple has issued watchOS 11.6 for the Apple Watch, tvOS 18.6 for Apple TV and visionOS for the Apple Vision Pro.
Why You Should Update To iOS 18.6
None of the flaws patched in iOS 18.6 have been used in real-life attacks, yet. But iOS 18.6 is the first update in well over two months — iOS 18.5 was issued in mid-May and Apple hasn’t released any minor upgrades in the meantime.
The iOS 18.6 upgrade is also likely to be the last iPhone update before Apple releases iOS 26 this fall, unless a very urgent security fix is needed before then.
The fact that there’s so long between updates — with another gap due until the iPhone 17 and iOS 26 arrive this fall — mean applying iOS 18.6 now is important. Plus iOS 18.6 fixes bugs plaguing those on the previous version, including an issue in Photos that could prevent memory movies being shared.
“Overall, there is no reason to panic, but I would highly recommend that users update to iOS 18.6 as soon as possible to be on the safe side,” says Wright.
It’s also worth noting that automatic updates can take a while to reach your iPhone, so it is best to apply iOS 18.6 manually. Before doing this, Card points out the importance of ensuring you have space in iCloud. “Some people have their iCloud full so not only do their device back ups not work, their updates fail.”
“General housekeeping is always good for life and security optimisation,” Card says.
Apple’s iOS and iPadOS 18.6 are available for the iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
To upgrade your iPhone, go to your Settings > General > Software Update and download and install iOS 18.6 now.