Apple users have always been excited about major iOS updates. Each new release is expected to bring better features, smoother performance, and stronger security. When iOS 18.6 rolled out, many believed it would fix previous bugs and introduce some quality-of-life improvements. But what wasn’t expected were the undocumented issues and frustrating glitches that came along with it.

Here are everything you need to know about iOS 18.6, from what it offers to the real problems users are facing—and most importantly, how you can fix them quickly and efficiently.

What Is iOS 18.6?

iOS 18.6 is a mid-cycle update released by Apple as part of the iOS 18 series. While it isn’t a major update like iOS 18.0, it plays a crucial role in patching existing bugs, reinforcing privacy and security protocols, and enhancing the overall user experience. This update is available to all compatible iPhones, including models from iPhone 12 and later. Users hoped this would be a stable and clean version after minor instability with 18.5 and 18.4.

The download size varies depending on your device, typically ranging between 700 MB to 1.5 GB. Unlike previous versions that introduced flashy UI changes or new apps, iOS 18.6 focuses more on backend enhancements. However, the transition hasn’t been as smooth as anticipated, and a growing number of users are encountering problems that Apple didn’t officially address before the release.

What’s New in iOS 18.6?

Although Apple didn’t market iOS 18.6 as a groundbreaking update, it comes with several functional and security-focused improvements that were expected to enhance device performance:

  • Advanced Siri Processing now enables the voice assistant to handle complex tasks more accurately with improved context awareness.
  • The update introduces new Lock Screen widgets that offer expanded customization options, such as weather maps, stock tickers, and calendar events with live refresh.
  • Battery Health Management Enhancements promise longer battery lifespan by better regulating background activity and optimizing charge cycles.
  • Under-the-hood, critical security patches were deployed to protect against emerging vulnerabilities, especially those targeting Safari and Mail apps.
  • The UI also received minor visual refinements, including smoother app transitions and animation polish that were aimed at making the experience more fluid.

While these improvements look promising, real-world performance tells a different story—many users now face persistent issues that weren’t anticipated before upgrading.

Common iOS 18.6 Problems That Are Frustrating Users

Despite Apple’s intentions, iOS 18.6 introduced more problems than it solved for a large portion of users. Here’s a closer look at the key issues many iPhone owners are reporting:

1. Battery Draining Faster Than Before

One of the most widespread and frustrating issues after installing iOS 18.6 is the sudden drop in battery performance. Users across social media and Apple forums report their iPhones losing up to 30% battery in just an hour—even while using lightweight apps like Notes or Safari.

This could be due to background indexing and recalibration happening after the update. Spotlight search re-indexing and system optimization tasks often run for hours or even days in the background, draining the battery without the user’s knowledge. Additionally, Apple’s new battery health features, which are designed to protect longevity, ironically seem to be causing more aggressive battery drain initially.

2. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Keep Disconnecting

Many users are experiencing unstable connections to both Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices. Whether it’s home routers or AirPods, devices are frequently disconnecting or failing to reconnect after a restart. This has caused major interruptions for those relying on wireless earbuds during calls or Bluetooth-enabled smart home setups.

In some cases, users noticed that toggling Airplane mode on and off temporarily restores the connection, but the fix is not permanent. This suggests the network stack or driver within iOS 18.6 may be unstable or conflicting with existing saved settings.

3. Apps Frequently Crash or Freeze

Users who rely on third-party apps like Instagram, Zoom, Spotify, and even Apple’s native apps like Messages or Safari are facing frequent app crashes or random freezing. For some, the apps close automatically a few seconds after launching, while others report input delays and non-responsiveness.

This issue likely stems from app developers not having time to fully optimize their software for the subtle changes introduced in iOS 18.6. Although Apple runs developer betas before official releases, not all apps get timely updates—especially smaller ones.

4. Touchscreen Lag and Delayed Gestures

One subtle but highly noticeable issue is the lag in touchscreen input. Actions like typing, swiping between home screens, or switching apps feel less responsive than before. In some cases, there’s even a full one-second delay between tapping an icon and the app launching.

This may be related to how RAM is being reallocated by the system, possibly due to background processes introduced in iOS 18.6. For users who multitask frequently or play mobile games, the lag becomes extremely frustrating.

5. Face ID and Biometric Glitches

After updating, many iPhone users reported Face ID failing to work consistently. Either it doesn’t recognize the face in normal lighting or throws an error asking users to re-enter the passcode. Even after resetting Face ID, the issue often returns the next day.

This glitch seems to be software-related and not due to hardware malfunction. Apple Support has acknowledged the bug in a limited number of cases but hasn’t issued an official fix yet.

6. Overheating Even During Light Use

Another significant issue users have highlighted is device overheating, even when performing routine tasks like checking email or making calls. Some devices get warm to the touch within 10–15 minutes of use, raising concerns about long-term battery health and device safety.

This might be due to background processes running constantly, especially the new battery monitoring services or rogue apps misbehaving under the new iOS version. iPhones with older batteries tend to heat up more easily when software isn’t optimized correctly.

7. Camera App Freezing or Not Responding

The iPhone camera is one of its most essential features, but many users have found it nearly unusable after installing iOS 18.6. Reports show the camera app either freezes on launch or takes blurry photos with a delayed shutter. In some instances, the app won’t open at all, requiring a full reboot of the phone.

8. Delayed Notifications or Missing Alerts

Another core functionality that’s broken for many users is push notifications. Messaging apps like iMessage, Telegram, and Gmail are either delivering notifications late or not at all. As a result, users are missing important updates, event reminders, and work messages.

This problem could be connected to Apple’s new background activity regulation that’s intended to save battery but is unfortunately also suppressing real-time notifications.

9. Storage Filling Up Mysteriously

Several iOS 18.6 users have noticed their phone’s storage filling up much faster than before. Even after clearing cache or deleting unused apps, the system data continues to balloon in size.

This could be due to log files, temporary system data, or residual update files that haven’t been removed properly. It’s particularly problematic for users with 64GB or 128GB devices, who have less room to work with.

10. Random Reboots and System Crashes

The most serious issue reported is the phone restarting without warning, sometimes multiple times a day. These unexpected crashes often occur when switching between apps or when using the camera. It’s a rare bug but potentially dangerous, especially for those using their iPhone for work or navigation.

How to Fix iOS 18.6 Problems Quickly and Efficiently

If iOS 18.6 has caused trouble on your device, don’t worry. I’ve compiled these practical, tried-and-tested fixes to help you solve the most common iOS 18.6 problems efficiently. Let’s go through each issue and its corresponding solution.

Battery Drain Fixes

  • Turn off Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, then disable it entirely or select only essential apps.
  • Activate Low Power Mode: Head to Settings > Battery and toggle on Low Power Mode when your battery dips below 50%.
  • Monitor app usage: Visit Settings > Battery > Battery Usage by App and uninstall or restrict apps that consume excessive power.

Fix Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Instability

  • Reset network settings: Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings to remove any corrupted configurations.
  • Reconnect manually: Forget and reconnect to your Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices.
  • Restart and update accessories: Reboot your iPhone and update firmware for accessories like AirPods if available.

Solve App Crashes

  • Update apps: Open the App Store and check for updates for any crashing apps.
  • Reinstall problematic apps: If updates aren’t available, delete and reinstall the affected app.
  • Offload Apple apps: For built-in apps, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, offload the app, and reinstall it.

Repair Touch Lag and Screen Responsiveness

  • Force restart your iPhone: This often clears temporary glitches.
  • Disable motion effects: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and turn off features like “Reduce Motion.”
  • Clear RAM: On supported devices, invoke Siri and say “Clear RAM,” or simply restart your iPhone manually to refresh memory.

Restore Face ID Functionality

  • Reset Face ID: Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode, delete the existing Face ID profile, and set it up again in well-lit conditions.
  • Clean the front camera: Ensure nothing obstructs or smudges your front camera.
  • Reset all settings: If Face ID still fails, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings (this won’t delete your data).

Handle Overheating and System Performance

  • Close unused apps: Regularly swipe away apps you no longer need.
  • Avoid charging while using power-hungry apps: Don’t run apps like FaceTime, YouTube, or games while your phone charges.
  • Remove the case: Temporarily remove your phone case to allow better heat dissipation if overheating persists.

Storage and Notification Fixes

  • Clear Safari cache: Open Settings > Safari and tap Clear History and Website Data.
  • Offload unused apps: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap on large apps, and select Offload App to save space without losing data.
  • Enable important alerts: Make sure Time-Sensitive Notifications are turned on by navigating to Settings > Notifications > [App Name].

Why You Should Update To iOS 18.6

You should update to iOS 18.6 now, even though none of the vulnerabilities it patches have been exploited in real-world attacks—yet. This is Apple’s first iOS update in over two months, following iOS 18.5, which launched in mid-May. Since Apple hasn’t released any minor patches during that time, iOS 18.6 is likely the final update before iOS 26 arrives this fall, unless Apple urgently rolls out another security fix.

Because there’s such a long gap between updates—and another one expected until iPhone 17 and iOS 26 debut—it’s important to install this version promptly. iOS 18.6 also fixes several bugs, including a Photos issue that blocked memory movie sharing for some users.

“There’s no need to panic,” says Wright, “but I strongly recommend updating to iOS 18.6 as soon as possible to stay protected.”

Don’t wait for the automatic update—it might take time to reach your iPhone. Install iOS 18.6 manually by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting Download and Install. Before that, make sure you have enough iCloud storage, as full storage can cause backups and updates to fail, warns Card.

“Keeping your iPhone clean and updated is essential for both performance and security,” Card adds.

Apple will likely release an update soon to address these problems, but until then, taking control of your device with these solutions is your best bet. Stay updated, stay informed—and if your phone still feels sluggish or buggy, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support directly.

FAQs

1. What is iOS 18.6 and why was it released?

iOS 18.6 is a software update released by Apple as part of the iOS 18 operating system series. It primarily focuses on security enhancements, bug fixes, and performance improvements rather than major visual or feature upgrades. Apple released iOS 18.6 to patch known vulnerabilities, improve system stability, and enhance the user experience based on feedback from earlier versions like iOS 18.5.

2. What devices are compatible with iOS 18.6?

iOS 18.6 is compatible with all devices that support iOS 18, which typically includes:

  • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14 Series
  • iPhone 13 Series
  • iPhone 12 Series
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Older iPhones such as the iPhone X or iPhone 8 may not support iOS 18 and therefore cannot upgrade to 18.6. Always check your device’s compatibility on Apple’s official website before attempting to update.

3. What are the new features introduced in iOS 18.6?

While iOS 18.6 doesn’t introduce dramatic new features, it does include:

  • Improved Siri functionality, with better contextual understanding
  • Enhanced lock screen widget support for more customization
  • Refined battery health tools that optimize background activity
  • Security patches that address previously reported vulnerabilities
  • Faster and smoother animations, especially when switching apps

These updates are meant to optimize the daily iPhone experience rather than transform it.

4. Why is my iPhone battery draining faster after updating to iOS 18.6?

Many users report faster battery drain after updating to iOS 18.6. This is often due to background indexing processes, such as Spotlight re-indexing, that run silently after major updates. Additionally, the new battery health system may be adjusting and recalibrating, which can temporarily use more power. This usually stabilizes after a few days. Disabling unnecessary background activity and turning on Low Power Mode can help manage it.

5. How can I fix Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues after installing iOS 18.6?

If you’re facing Wi-Fi disconnections or Bluetooth pairing problems:

  • Reset network settings via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • Forget and rejoin your Wi-Fi networks manually.
  • Re-pair Bluetooth devices, especially if you use AirPods, speakers, or car systems.

If the issue persists, reboot your device or wait for the next patch update from Apple, as this may be a software-level bug.

6. Are app crashes and freezing common in iOS 18.6?

Yes, multiple users have reported app crashes and freezing issues after updating to iOS 18.6. This typically happens when app developers haven’t yet optimized their software for the latest iOS update. To resolve this:

  • Update apps from the App Store
  • Reinstall problematic apps
  • Clear Safari cache and history if the browser is crashing

If native Apple apps are also freezing, it might be related to a broader iOS stability issue that will require a fix from Apple.

7. How can I fix Face ID issues on iOS 18.6?

If Face ID stops working after updating:

  • Navigate to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, and choose Reset Face ID.
  • Set it up again in a well-lit environment.
  • If the issue persists, perform a hard reset or reset all settings (without deleting data) via Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.

These steps typically restore biometric functionality unless there’s a hardware issue involved.

8. Can I downgrade from iOS 18.6 if I face too many issues?

Yes, but only for a limited time. Apple typically stops signing older versions of iOS shortly after releasing a new one. If iOS 18.5 is still being signed, you can use tools like Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows) to restore your device to the previous version. You’ll need to download the appropriate IPSW file for your device and perform a manual restore, which will erase your data unless you have a backup.

9. When will Apple release a fix for the iOS 18.6 issues?

Apple has not officially confirmed a release date for iOS 18.6.1, but based on past release patterns, a bug fix update usually follows within 1 to 3 weeks after widespread reports of problems. Users are encouraged to report issues directly via the Feedback app or Apple Support to help expedite the release of a patch update.

10. Should I install iOS 18.6 now or wait for the next update?

If your iPhone is currently running smoothly on iOS 18.5 or earlier, and you don’t urgently need the new security fixes, it might be wise to wait until iOS 18.6.1 or 18.7 is released to address the current bugs. However, if you already upgraded and are experiencing problems, try the available fixes or back up your data and consider a full reset to refresh your device’s system performance.