iOS 18.6 and MacOS 15.6: Bugfixes and simplified sideloading

Large update series at Apple: The manufacturer has released iOS and iPados in fresh version 18.6 and MacOS 15.6 Sequoia, Watchos 11.6, TVOS 18.6 and Visionos 2.6 on Tuesday evening. At the same time, Ipados 17.7.9 are available for download for certain older ipad model series that can no longer be updated to iPados 18. iOS 17 no longer receives updates. Mac users who have not yet switched to MacOS 15 received MacOS 14.7.7 SONOMA or MACOS 13.7.7 Ventura.

Fewer hurdles for other app marketplaces

The new versions contain important error loops and security patches, as Apple announced. The group is expected to deliver a list of the specifically stuffed security gaps in the further course of the evening. In iOS and iPados, a bug in the photo app is also to be cleared out, which could prevent sharing of back views.

Apple also has to massively facilitate the installation of apps that are sold outside the App Stores. Although iOS has been supporting Sideloading since last year, Apple has originally made it difficult to make the attempt to give up frustrated by many steps and annoying hurdles, so that many users should have given up frustrated.

From iOS 18.6, the import of app marketplaces that are loaded directly from a website of the provider is much simpler: Users only have to allow the installation of an app shop once by Face ID. The download of individual apps from the developer website should also become a little simpler, As Apple announced in advance. Further steps are required here, but the installation process is described more clearly by iOS.

Apps can link sideloading apps

In the future, apps invited from the App Store can also offer their users the installation of further apps directly from the web, which was also completely unthinkable in iOS for a long time. Nothing is currently changing in the basic sideloading restrictions: All apps are still being checked by Apple and there are high hurdles for developers for direct sales of apps on the web. App marketplaces are subject to additional Apple requirements.

iOS 18.6 & Co is expected to be the penultimate larger update for the current operating system versions. The upgrades iOS 26, Ipados 26 and MacOS 26 set up for autumn then wear the following year as a number in the name and come in the liquid glass design-with new functions.