Apple releases first iOS 26.6 public beta, here’s what to expect

Apple has released the first iOS 26.6 public beta. The update follows the first developer beta release on Tuesday. 

iOS 26.6 features and changes

So far, we’ve discovered two 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.

We don’t expect much else in terms of new features and functionality as all attention soon turns to iOS 27.

WWDC, Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, kicks off on June 8, where Apple is set to unveil iOS 27 and more.

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 beta 1 is a bit ahead of schedule compared to Apple’s 2025 release cycle.