Apple has today released iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, watchOS 11.6, tvOS 18.6, and HomePod Software 18.6.
In our usage and testing of iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, and watchOS 11.6, we did not identify any changes in these releases that specifically affect the experience for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users. We were unable to test tvOS 18.6. If you notice any changes in your own use of any of these releases, please do let us know by posting a comment.
Release notes
iOS 18.6
This update provides important bug fixes and security updates, and fixes an issue in Photos that could prevent memory movies from being shared. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100
macOS Sequoia 15.6
This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100
watchOS 11.6
This update provides bug fixes and important security updates for your Apple Watch. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/100100
tvOS 18.6
This update includes performance and stability improvements.
HomePod Software 18.6
This update includes performance and stability improvements.
How to update
iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 are available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) via Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or via iTunes on a PC or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier.
Before updating, we strongly recommend making a full and complete backup of your device (either locally or in iCloud, depending on personal preference). This will ensure that, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during the update process, you will have a current backup on hand in case a device restore becomes necessary. Also, if using OTA update, we recommend plugging your device into a power source for the duration of the download/installation process, so as to prevent the unlikely event of your battery going dead during the update.
To install macOS Sequoia 15.6, choose System Settings from the Apple menu, select General in the table, click Software Update in the scroll area, and click the Update Now button to begin the update process. If other updates are available, you can click the Info button to see details about them and select specific updates to install.
watchOS 11.6 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General> Software Update. To install the update, your Watch must be connected to its charger and have at least 50% battery power.
To install tvOS 18.6, on Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to the Settings channel, then look for the System section near the bottom. From here, look for Software Updates under Maintenance, then select Update Software and Download and Install. Wait for your Apple TV to download the update. Don't disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.
By default, HomePod and HomePod mini automatically install new software updates, but you can manually check for updates in the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Comments
I think the VoiceOver volume bug with audio reduction has gone
I hope I'm not being premature in giving this report, but according to the tests I'm doing, that bug that caused the VoiceOver volume to alternate from time to time when audio reduction was used in speaking mode was fixed, thank God!
Did MacOS Feedback app break?
I upgraded to MacOS 15.6.
I went to open a new Feedback report. But noticed that selecting accessibility and VoiceOver resulted in slightly different behavior. The feedback report form no longer asked me which voice or braille display I'm using. Odd.
Then I went to close an old feedback report, and was completely unable to figure out how to close it. The button or option is no longer present.
Did Apple break the Feedback app? Or am I missing something?
Closing feedback reports
Figured this out. Once I select a report from the list, I have to stop interacting with the list, then navigate up to the toolbar, interact, and open the More menu. Then there's an option to close the report. I don't remember it being this complicated.
Filling out feedback reports
Okay, the voice and braille fields are still present, but when I tabbed through the text fields, it skipped right over them. I swear I tabbed and shift+tabbed through them at least twice. But the only way to reach them any longer is with VO+arrow keys.
reading messages/notifications on lock screen still not fixed
I upgraded my iPhone to 18.6 and can verify that the phone goes back to sleep before finishing the reading of long messages/notifications. Someone reported they thought this had been fixed with 18.6, but it hasn't.
Jeff
Same here. 16 pro max.