Apple announced iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 and released iOS 17.6 more than a month later in July. That update was filled with more than 30 important bug fixes and security patches but no new features. Apple recommended that everyone download the update at the time and it was the last major iOS 17 update before the release of iOS 18 .

The release of iOS 18.6 Developer Beta 3 highlights Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining its operating systems. This update is part of a synchronized effort, with simultaneous beta releases across platforms such as iPadOS and macOS.

Apple tones down its new Liquid Glass aesthetic in iOS 26 beta 3, making interface elements more readable after user complaints.

Commentary: Apple is set to release iOS 26 this fall, and it will save us from the alarm's ancient 9-minute snooze.

Until now, users of Apple's Maps app have always had to mark locations themselves. However, privacy-friendly tracking is now on the way.

OS 26 Photos adds a couple of new features you'll want to explore once you upgrade to the new iPhone software. Here's how to customize the layout of your photo collections and how to look up event info from within Photos.

1. On the iPhone's lock screen, touch and hold anywhere on the display until you see the Customize button. You'll need to unlock the phone using Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode. If it opens the home screen, swipe down from the center-top of the screen (not the right edge, which brings up Control Center.

The Open Web Advocacy group claims that despite claiming to allow rival browser engines on the iPhone, Apple has made it impossible for developers to create them.