Apple has released new software versions for the iPhone and iPad: iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6. Here’s what’s new in these updates.
iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 are now available
The new software versions iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 are largely focused on bugfixes and performance improvements. All of the major iOS and iPadOS 17 features that Apple announced at WWDC last year have already been added to the operating systems via previous updates.
iOS 17.6 is coming relatively late after iOS 17.5 debuted in May. Meanwhile, we’re still two months away from the expected release of iOS 18 in September. It’s entirely possible that an iOS 17.7 could still be in the offing.
But it’s also certainly not unthinkable that this is the last notable release of iOS 17. In practice, it’s rare for iOS versions to go beyond version x.6. If Apple does indeed have plans for iOS 17.7, we should see the first beta version of it very soon.

Installing the new update
If you have enabled the ‘Automatic Updates’ option, you will soon receive a notification to install iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6. But you can also choose to arrange it manually now. Because there are a number of bug fixes, this is also recommended. The update is compatible with all iOS and iPadOS devices, and here’s how to install it:
- Open the Settings app;
- Tap ‘General’ and then ‘Software Update’;
- Tap ‘Update Now’ and enter your access code;

The update is now being prepared and then installed. The entire process can take quite a while. When the update is complete, your iPhone or iPad will automatically restart. After that, you can use your iPhone or iPad as usual.