While iOS 27 is very much the new focus for pre-release software, Apple is still preparing iOS 26.6 as the next iPhone update. Apple has released the first release candidate for iOS 26.6. iOS 26.6 beta has been in testing since the end of May.
So far, we’ve discovered two notable changes in iOS 26.6 beta.
First, there’s a change around the limit on the number of contacts you can block. Second, there appears to be a new anti-theft iPhone feature in the works.
The update also may prepare the Spotlight index on iPhone and iPad that Siri AI will use in iOS 27. Today’s RC build includes release notes that confirm this publicly for the first time.
We don’t expect much else in terms of new features and functionality as all attention now turns to iOS 27.
Apple’s next major software update will reach customers in September as Apple iterates on iOS 27 over the summer.
iOS 26.6 will be the next shipping version, building on iOS 26 and the subsequent releases that have followed since last fall.
Last year, iOS 18.6 beta 1 arrived after iOS 26 beta 1. That means iOS 26.6 is a bit ahead of schedule compared to Apple’s 2025 release cycle.
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Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.
