Yes, all the cool new stuff is in the iOS 18 beta, but those not testing out this year’s big operating system update need to keep on top of the latest security improvements and bug fixes.
That’s all iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 are, really. There are no significant new features, and Apple’s release notes don’t even call out any specific bugs fixed. But it’s a good idea to update anyway, because security updates are always important.
There are 30 security updates in iOS 17.6, according to Apple’s security page!
Update July 29: Apple has released iOS 17.6 for all users.
iOS 17.6: New features
There are no significant new features in iOS 17.6. This is a maintenance release with bug fixes and security updates. Apple’s release notes do not even specify exactly which bugs have been fixed.
iOS 17.6: Release notes
Apple’s release notes are succinct:
This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.
The security releases page lists an impressive 30 individual security updates in this release!
iOS 17.6: How to install
You will eventually be prompted to install iOS 17.6, but if you don’t want to wait:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Updates
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install iOS 17.6.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.