Apple released iOS 18.6 on July 29, ahead of the company's iOS 26 release this fall. While the next major iOS update will bring Liquid Glass and more to your iPhone, iOS 18.6 doesn't change much on your device. Instead of new features, the iOS 18.6 update is filled with bug and security fixes.

Apple announced in June that the release of iOS 26 would first appear as developer betas as usual, with the first public beta set for July. When it reaches general release it will be on the 2025 releases, iPhone 17 series, as well the iPhone 16 series and plenty of much earlier models.

Apple has released a preview of its new iPhone software, but it probably won't help you if things go awry. Here’s how to try iOS 26 without losing data or bricking your iPhone.