Apple today provided public beta testers with the second betas of iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, watchOS 26.6, and tvOS 26.6, with the software coming a day after Apple seeded the betas to developers and three weeks after the first public betas.
After signing up to beta test the software updates on Apple’s beta site, public beta testers can download the new software using the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device.
iOS 26.6 has a feature that will let you know when you have blocked too many contacts, but the limit is in the thousands so most users may not ever see the messaging. There are also signs of a new iPhone anti-snatching feature that locks a stolen iPhone when it’s grabbed from your hand.
No other major new features have been found in any of the software updates, with Apple likely focusing on bug fixes and security improvements. We’re nearing the end of the “26” software cycle, with Apple planning to release iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and more this fall.
Popular Stories
Apple Seeds First iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 Betas to Developers
Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming two weeks after Apple released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update. With the debut of iOS 27 approaching in…
iOS 26.5.1 Update for iPhones is Coming Soon
Apple’s software engineers are testing iOS 26.5.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. iOS 26.5.1 will almost certainly be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released by the end of next week. The logs show that Apple has ramped up testing of iOS 26.6 as well, with a first …
Apple Releases iOS 26.5.1 to Fix Charging Issue on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Models
Apple today released iOS 26.5.1, a minor update to iOS 26. The software is available three weeks after iOS 26.5 came out, and appears to only be available for the iPhone Air and all models in the iPhone 17 lineup. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple’s release notes, the update fixes a previ…