What’s New in Apple’s Latest Beta Updates: iOS 18.6 and macOS 15.6
Apple has quietly released the third beta versions of its operating systems across the entire ecosystem. This includes iOS 18.6 , iPadOS 18.6 , macOS 15.6 , tvOS 18.6 , watchOS 11.6 , and visionOS 2.6 — all arriving as build number three for their respective platforms.
This update is widely believed to be among the final developer betas before Apple shifts focus to the next major software release, expected this fall.
📱 iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 Beta 3: Minor Under-the-Hood Tweaks
Both iOS 18.6 beta 3 and iPadOS 18.6 beta 3 share the same internal build number: 22G5073b . Developers can now download the latest builds through the built-in Software Update section in the Settings app.
While no new features have been introduced in this round, Apple continues to refine performance, polish user experience, and fix bugs ahead of the final public release.
💻 macOS 15.6 Beta 3: Preparing for the Next Big Thing
The macOS 15.6 beta 3 , carrying build number 24G5074c , arrives as part of the ongoing testing cycle for macOS Sequoia. With this update, Apple appears to be wrapping up development on the current version, paving the way for macOS Tahoe , also known as macOS 26 — the next major desktop OS set to debut alongside the anticipated iPhone 17 series in September 2025.
Like previous updates, macOS 15.6 focuses primarily on bug fixes and system improvements , with little in the way of new features.
📺 tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS: Stability Over Innovation
Alongside the main platform updates, Apple has also pushed out:
- tvOS 18.6 beta 3 (build 22M5074b ) – bringing performance enhancements and improved stability for Apple TV users
- visionOS 2.6 beta 3 (build 22O5773b ) – running parallel to more advanced testing of the upcoming visionOS 26
- watchOS 11.6 beta 3 (build 22U5074b ) – continuing to focus on behind-the-scenes optimizations without introducing significant new features
These updates are part of Apple’s usual end-of-cycle maintenance phase.
🔧 What’s the Big Picture?
As expected at this stage of development, these beta updates are centered around stability, bug fixes, and minor refinements rather than groundbreaking features. With the iOS 18 series nearing its end , most exciting changes are being saved for the upcoming iOS 26 — part of a broader strategy where Apple will align naming conventions across all its operating systems under the “26” umbrella.
The final versions of these 18.6 updates are expected to reach the public in late July or August 2025 , just ahead of the next big software wave.