July 15, 2025 — Apple has just launched iOS 18.6 Beta 3, continuing its refinement of the iOS 18 platform while simultaneously advancing work on the highly anticipated iOS 26. This update is now available to developers, and the public beta is expected to roll out within the next 24 to 48 hours.
🔄 What Was Released Alongside iOS 18.6 Beta 3?
This week’s update wasn’t limited to just iPhones. Apple also rolled out the following beta updates:
- iPadOS 18.6 Beta 3
- macOS 15.6 Beta 3
- watchOS 11.6 Beta 3
- tvOS 18.6 Beta 3
- HomePod OS 18.6 Beta 3
- visionOS 2.6 Beta 3
📱 Supported Devices and Update Size
iOS 18.6 Beta 3 remains compatible with all devices that support iOS 18, with no changes to the eligibility list.
On the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the update clocks in at 872.4 MB, indicating a refinement-focused release rather than a feature-heavy one.
🔢 Build Number & Modem Update
- Build Number: 22G5073B
- Modem Firmware: Updated from 1.70.01 (Beta 2) to 1.70.02
The modem update is expected to enhance network connectivity, addressing occasional signal issues reported in earlier builds.
🆕 What’s New in iOS 18.6 Beta 3?
✨ EU App Store Changes
To align with new European Union regulations, Apple is simplifying the process of installing third-party apps and marketplaces:
- Install third-party app stores
- Download apps directly from the web
- Bypass restrictive warnings that previously discouraged non-App Store installations
This shift marks a major user-experience improvement for iOS users in the EU.
👋 Welcome Screen Returns
Some users, especially on iPads, reported seeing the familiar “Software Update Complete” welcome screen after updating. While not a new feature, it suggests underlying changes in how updates finalize on the system level.
🌍 Apple Intelligence Rollout in China
Apple is steadily rolling out its Apple Intelligence features to more regions around the world. However, users in China still don’t have access as of Beta 3. Full functionality may arrive in Beta 4 or the final release of iOS 18.6.
🎯 AirTag Enhancements (Hinted)
Code spotted in earlier betas hints at next-gen AirTags with:
- Improved tracking capabilities
- Possibly extended battery life
- Enhanced precision and reliability
🚗 Apple Car Key 4.0
Apple announced Car Key 4.0 with improvements to digital key functionality and partnerships with manufacturers like BMW. This update enhances:
- Keyless entry via Wallet
- Low-power operation
- Control over car features (e.g., climate, alarm, trunk)
🐞 Bug Fixes & Known Issues
✅ Fixed
- Touch responsiveness is excellent, even when using a screen protector
- No freezes or micro-stutters
- Excellent scrolling performance with ProMotion
🐛 Known Bug: HealthKit
A known issue causes health data to become inaccessible on devices without passcodes when the “slide to power off” screen is active.
Workaround:
Add a passcode or reboot the device.
🎨 Wallpaper Dimming Bug
The notification shade dimming effect still persists on iOS 18.6, but seems absent in iOS 26, suggesting a long-term fix is on the way.
🔋 Battery Life & Thermal Performance
Beta testers report outstanding battery life:
- 9–11 hours of screen-on time
- Phones running cool, even during extended use
Thanks to user-submitted data, the iPhone 16 Pro Max achieved 9h 28m of screen time with 100% battery health — dropping only to 19% by day’s end.
🧪 Benchmarks
Geekbench Scores:
- Single-core: 3,515
- Multi-core: 8,635
These scores are on par with iOS 18’s best performance results, showing no slowdowns or regressions.
⏭ What’s Next?
🧪 iOS 26 Public Beta 1
Still unreleased as of writing, the public beta of iOS 26 is expected this week — potentially after this video, tomorrow, or Wednesday.
📆 Upcoming Beta & Final Release Timeline:
- iOS 18.6 Beta 4: Expected Monday, July 21
- iOS 18.6 Public Release: Likely on July 28 or August 4
- iOS 26 Final Release: Targeted for mid-September 2025
🤔 Should You Install iOS 18.6 Beta 3?
If you’re currently using the public beta track, iOS 18.6 Beta 3 is safe and stable. Many users find it more reliable than iOS 18.5, with noticeable improvements in speed and battery life.
That said, as with all betas, you may encounter minor bugs, and it’s important to report them via Apple’s Feedback app.
📝 Final Thoughts
iOS 18.6 Beta 3 is a refinement update through and through — improving stability, introducing EU-focused changes, and preparing iPhones for what’s next. Although iOS 26 is Apple’s next major focus, iOS 18.6 continues to provide a reliable and refined user experience.
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