Apple reportedly plans to release iOS 17.6 update before iOS 18: Everything you need to know

Apple plans to release iOS 17.6 with a focus on bug fixes and minor improvements before the major iOS 18 update. The iOS 17.6 public beta introduced a new “Catch Up” feature for the Apple TV app.

Apple’s iOS 17 system was released with the iPhone 15 series

Apple is reportedly planning to release an iOS 17.6 update for the iPhone, after recently releasing a beta version last month. According to 9to5MacThis update is expected to bring bug fixes and some improvements, as this beta version contained very few features.

iOS 17.6 will likely be the last major stable update before the release of iOS 18. The upcoming operating system recently entered the public beta channel after three iterations of the developer beta phase. The publication quoted a tipster with a “strong track record” as claiming that the iOS 17.6 stable channel update will carry build number 21G79. The same tipster previously claimed that Apple had abandoned the iOS 17.5.2 update in favor of the upcoming 17.6 update.

The only notable feature that made it into the iOS 17.6 public beta was the Apple TV app’s “Catch Up” feature, which is designed for sports viewers. It offers a series of highlights to watch, allowing you to catch up on the game if you joined late.

iOS 17.5 Public Beta

Last month, the iOS 17.5 public beta introduced new Pride wallpapers, the Quartiles game for News+ subscribers, and changes for the EU. The upcoming iOS 18 will include a host of new additions, including Home screen and app icon customization, locking and hiding apps, an improved Control Center, and updates to various apps like Photos, Messages, Mail, Safari, Wallet, Maps, and Apple AirPods. It will also introduce a Passwords app, Game Mode, and several other new features.

iOS 18 public beta

Apple iOS 18 brings a host of new features and changes to the iPhone. The public beta brings several notable changes, including customizable app icons with dark mode and solid color options, a more comprehensive Control Center with multiple screens and new controls, and a Home screen that lets you place icons anywhere you want for better wallpaper visibility.

The lock screen now supports swapping camera and flashlight shortcuts for other apps. The Messages app adds bold and italic text, emoji reactions, and colorful “tapbacks.” Users can transfer money by tapping their iPhones, manage passwords in a centralized app, and use the AI-powered Photos app to organize photos into travel or albums.

Safari offers summaries of news and web articles with accessible tables of contents, while the latest devices can send satellite messages without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. Siri animation takes up the entire screen, and iPhones can generate transcripts from calls or recordings.