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Geeky Gadgets
a day ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 18.6: What You Need to Know Before Updating
The release of iOS 18.6 marks a significant milestone, particularly for older devices such as the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. As these models will not support the upcoming iOS 26, this update serves as their final major software upgrade. It is essential to understand the details of this release to ensure your device remains secure, functional, and optimized. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this important update. The video below, from iReviews, provides more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Release Date and Device Compatibility Apple has scheduled the release of iOS 18.6 for Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This update is compatible with a wide range of devices, including the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. For these models, iOS 18.6 represents the last significant update they will receive, making it a critical step in maintaining their performance and security as they approach the end of their software lifecycle. If you own one of these devices, this update is particularly important. It ensures that your phone remains functional and protected against emerging threats, even as Apple shifts its focus to newer models and operating systems. Storage Requirements and Update Size The size of the iOS 18.6 update will vary depending on your device model and current software version, ranging between 1 and 2 GB. However, to complete the installation process without issues, you will need at least 5 to 6 GB of free storage space. This additional space is necessary to accommodate the download and installation files, reducing the likelihood of errors or interruptions during the update. To prepare your device, consider deleting unused apps, clearing cached data, or transferring large files to iCloud or an external storage solution. Making sure adequate storage not only assists the update process but also helps your device run more efficiently. Key Features and Improvements Unlike updates that introduce new new features, iOS 18.6 focuses on enhancing the overall user experience through targeted improvements. Here are the key enhancements you can expect: System stability: Reduces crashes and glitches, making sure a smoother and more reliable experience. Reduces crashes and glitches, making sure a smoother and more reliable experience. Performance optimizations: Enhances responsiveness, particularly on older devices, making everyday tasks faster and more seamless. Enhances responsiveness, particularly on older devices, making everyday tasks faster and more seamless. Bug fixes: Addresses known issues to improve usability and eliminate persistent annoyances. Addresses known issues to improve usability and eliminate persistent annoyances. Battery life improvements: Optimizes power consumption, extending the time between charges for better usability throughout the day. Optimizes power consumption, extending the time between charges for better usability throughout the day. Security updates: Protects against vulnerabilities and emerging threats, safeguarding your personal data and device integrity. These updates are designed to ensure your device remains reliable and secure, even as it nears the end of its software support. While the update may not introduce flashy new features, its focus on stability and performance makes it a valuable upgrade for users of older devices. Enable Automatic Updates for Convenience To simplify the process of staying up-to-date, consider allowing automatic updates on your device. This feature allows your iPhone to download and install updates during off-hours, such as overnight, minimizing disruptions to your daily routine. By activating automatic updates, you can ensure that your device remains current without requiring manual intervention. To enable this feature, navigate to your device's settings, select 'Software Update,' and toggle the automatic updates option. This small step can save time and effort while making sure your device remains secure and optimized. What's Next for iOS 18 Devices? Although iOS 18.6 is the final major update for devices running iOS 18, Apple is expected to release smaller incremental updates, such as iOS 18.6.1, in the future. These updates will primarily focus on addressing security vulnerabilities and minor performance issues. While they won't introduce new features, they are crucial for maintaining the security and functionality of your device. Staying up-to-date with these incremental updates is essential, particularly as older devices become more vulnerable to emerging threats. Regularly checking for updates and installing them promptly will help extend the lifespan of your device and ensure it continues to perform reliably. Speculation About Apple Intelligence There has been speculation that iOS 18.6 may activate an Apple Intelligence feature in China. However, this remains unconfirmed, and no significant new features are expected for users outside of this context. The primary focus of this update is on refining the existing system rather than introducing new capabilities. For most users, the update's value lies in its stability, performance, and security enhancements. Preparing for the Update If you own an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR, updating to iOS 18.6 is highly recommended. This update ensures your device remains stable, secure, and optimized as it transitions out of Apple's primary software ecosystem. To prepare for the update, follow these steps: Free up storage space: Ensure you have at least 5 to 6 GB of available storage to accommodate the update files. Ensure you have at least 5 to 6 GB of available storage to accommodate the update files. Enable automatic updates: Simplify future updates by turning on this convenient feature in your device settings. Simplify future updates by turning on this convenient feature in your device settings. Back up your data: Use iCloud or a computer to create a backup of your important files and settings before installing the update. By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth update process and maximize the performance and longevity of your device. As this is the final major update for iOS 18 devices, it is an important opportunity to optimize your phone and prepare it for the years ahead. Find more information on iOS 18.6 update by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials. Source & Image Credit: iReviews Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Public Beta: Top Features You Need to See!
Apple has officially launched the iOS 26 public beta, showcasing a significant evolution in its mobile operating system. This release introduces a host of new features, design improvements, and performance upgrades, setting a new benchmark for functionality and user experience. However, it also marks a shift in device compatibility, as older models like the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are no longer supported. Below is a comprehensive look at what iOS 26 offers and how it impacts users. The video below from iReviews gives us more details on the new features on the first iOS 26 Public Beta. Watch this video on YouTube. Device Compatibility: Prioritizing Advanced Hardware With iOS 26, Apple has chosen to focus on newer devices, leaving behind models such as the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. This decision underscores Apple's commitment to using the capabilities of advanced processors and hardware to deliver a seamless experience. By phasing out older devices, Apple ensures that the operating system can fully use the latest technologies, offering users improved performance and access to innovative features. If you own a compatible device, this update promises to unlock its full potential. Performance and Stability: Enhanced Efficiency iOS 26 introduces a noticeable boost in performance, as evidenced by benchmark tests like Geekbench. Both single-core and multi-core performance have seen measurable improvements, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. Stability has also been a key focus, with refinements that reduce crashes and improve overall reliability. These enhancements make iOS 26 a robust and efficient platform for daily use, whether you're managing tasks, streaming content, or running resource-intensive applications. Design Overhaul: A Modern and Adaptive Interface The visual updates in iOS 26 bring a fresh, modern look to the operating system. The introduction of the 'liquid glass' design creates a sleek and polished aesthetic, while dynamic wallpapers adapt to your environment, adding a personalized touch. Key areas such as the home screen, control center, and lock screen have been reimagined for improved usability. These changes not only enhance the visual appeal but also make navigation more intuitive, making sure a user-friendly experience. Customizable Home Screen: Tailored to Your Preferences For the first time, iOS 26 allows users to fully customize their home screens. You can now personalize app icons, widgets, and wallpapers to reflect your style and preferences. This level of customization enables users to create a device layout that balances functionality with individuality. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or a vibrant, dynamic setup, iOS 26 provides the tools to make your device uniquely yours. Core App Enhancements: Improved Usability and Features Several core apps have been significantly upgraded in iOS 26, enhancing their functionality and user experience: Photos: A redesigned interface simplifies photo organization and editing, making it easier to manage your image library and apply enhancements. A redesigned interface simplifies photo organization and editing, making it easier to manage your image library and apply enhancements. Messages: New conversation-specific backgrounds and interactive features add a layer of personalization to your chats, making communication more engaging. New conversation-specific backgrounds and interactive features add a layer of personalization to your chats, making communication more engaging. Phone: Advanced call screening and queue management tools provide greater control over incoming calls, helping you stay organized and minimize interruptions. Camera App Redesign: Simplified and Powerful The Camera app has undergone a significant redesign, offering a cleaner interface and more intuitive controls. Key settings are now easier to access, allowing users to focus on capturing high-quality photos and videos without unnecessary distractions. Whether you're a casual user or a photography enthusiast, the updated Camera app enhances creativity and simplifies the process of capturing memorable moments. New Apps: Expanding Functionality iOS 26 introduces two new apps that broaden its capabilities: Preview: This app enables users to view, annotate, and edit files directly on their devices, streamlining productivity tasks and reducing the need for third-party tools. This app enables users to view, annotate, and edit files directly on their devices, streamlining productivity tasks and reducing the need for third-party tools. Gaming: A dedicated gaming platform offers an immersive experience, catering to both casual players and serious gamers with optimized performance and exclusive features. Battery Performance: Balancing Efficiency While iOS 26 has been optimized for efficiency, battery performance remains an area with room for improvement. Early tests indicate that battery life is acceptable but not significantly better than previous versions. Users who rely heavily on their devices may need to adjust settings or monitor usage to maximize battery longevity. Apple is expected to address these concerns in future updates, further refining the operating system's energy management. Update Timeline: What to Expect Apple plans to release the next public beta of iOS 26 in early August, with weekly updates to follow. These updates will focus on addressing bugs, refining features, and enhancing overall performance. By the time the official release is available, users can anticipate a polished and stable operating system that builds on the strengths of the beta version. Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for iOS The iOS 26 public beta represents a significant step forward in Apple's mobile operating system. With its modern design, enhanced performance, and expanded functionality, it sets a new standard for iOS. However, the decision to discontinue support for older devices and the need for further battery optimization may leave some users weighing their options. For those with compatible devices, iOS 26 offers an opportunity to explore the future of mobile technology and experience its innovative features firsthand. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to iOS 26 that you may find helpful. Source & Image Credit: iReviews Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
News18
23-07-2025
- News18
iOS 26 Beta 4 Update Released For iPhone Users: Any Big Changes?
Last Updated: iOS 26 developer beta 4 has released for iPhone users this week and Apple could be getting ready to bring the public beta soon The wait for the iOS 26 public beta goes on as Apple comes out with the iOS 26 beta 4 version for iPhone users on Tuesday. The company has worked on some of the features that were available with the beta 3 version after seemingly taking feedback from online viewers in the last few weeks. The presence of a beta 4 update does seem strange as Apple was widely tipped to start the iOS 26 public beta program this week but looks like the wait goes on. iOS 26 Beta 4 Update: What iPhone Users Get The iOS 26 beta 4 version has come out and it does seem loaded, at least with the download package size on offer from the company. The most notable change is linked to the Liquid Glass interface that Apple had tweaked with the beta 3 update but the latest version is back to its default mode. Apple is clearly trying out different tones for the UI and these minor alterations suggest the company is still looking for the best mix of transparency and usability. It does feel like a work in progress and hopefully the public beta will give us the best version of the iOS 26 interface. We'll keep an eye out for more features that the developer beta might bring for the users. Apple did say the public beta will be coming in July 2025, and we've less than a week before the month ends, so the clock is ticking, and hopefully the beta 4 version means the iOS 26 public beta is imminent. iOS 26 update will only run on iPhone 11 or higher models this year. Those using the iPhone XS or Xr will get security updates from the company but new feature roll outs are done. If you want the Apple AI features, you need the iPhone 15 Pro or later models to try out Siri AI and other tools that come out next year. view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 10:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Western Telegraph
21-07-2025
- Western Telegraph
How to avoid roaming charges when abroad
Telecoms experts are urging travellers to check if their mobile plans include international roaming – otherwise they could face charges as high as £5 a day. For a two-week break that comes in at £70 per phone on top of regular mobile charges. For a family of four that's an additional £280 on their monthly mobile phone bill. Experts at are suggesting holidaymakers make use of eSims to bring costs down and make mobile usage overseas affordable. What is an eSim? An eSim is a digital version of a SIM card. It allows users to switch to a local provider without taking out your traditional SIM or changing your number. After landing, mobile users simply change their mobile packing to use the eSim rather than the UK SIM. Telecoms expert Juliet Moran, said: 'Holidaymakers need to be aware of roaming changes both in Europe and further afield and they need to look at ways to mitigate the extortionate cost passed on by phone providers. 'An eSim is the easiest way to do this. They're already built into your phone and allow you to activate an additional mobile data plan. 'In comparison to roaming charges the cost is minimal. To give you an example, on a recent trip to the USA, my provider was going to charge £5 a day. An eSim plan for a month cost just $12. 'The plans will cover all your data needs including maps, social media, emails, and video calls, with no roaming charges or surprise fees when you get back home.' Is an eSim a good idea? Firstly, it's important to check if your phone supports eSIMs. Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS or later, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up) support eSIM functionality. Check your phone settings or manufacturer website if you're unsure. issues eSIM advice for Brits Choose an eSIM provider Search within the country you are visiting for an eSIM holiday provider. It's quite a competitive market, so it won't take long to find a local supplier offering a good deal on an eSIM. UK Passport Renewal Guide Make sure it's contract free for short term use. Check the daily limits for data, even on an unlimited package. It's easier to find a cheaper provider once you are in the country, so use airport Wi-Fi to get yourself a good local deal. Install the eSIM during your trip This is a fairly straightforward task. You will need to: Download the provider's app or scan a QR code to install the eSIM. You may need another phone to take a photo of the QR code to install it on your own mobile if you don't have a computer or tablet to hand. Or use the manual eSIM installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate it. Set the eSIM as your primary data plan while abroad (you can still receive texts and calls to your UK number if needed). Recommended Reading: Use data wisely Keep an eye on your usage or buy a slightly larger plan to cover streaming and navigation comfortably, as going over those limits can lead to large bills. Switch back easily when you return Once home, just toggle your mobile data settings to return to your UK SIM. The eSIM can usually remain installed for future trips or you can just delete it.
South Wales Argus
18-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
How to avoid roaming charges when abroad
Telecoms experts are urging travellers to check if their mobile plans include international roaming – otherwise they could face charges as high as £5 a day. For a two-week break that comes in at £70 per phone on top of regular mobile charges. For a family of four that's an additional £280 on their monthly mobile phone bill. Experts at are suggesting holidaymakers make use of eSims to bring costs down and make mobile usage overseas affordable. What is an eSim? An eSim is a digital version of a SIM card. It allows users to switch to a local provider without taking out your traditional SIM or changing your number. After landing, mobile users simply change their mobile packing to use the eSim rather than the UK SIM. Telecoms expert Juliet Moran, said: 'Holidaymakers need to be aware of roaming changes both in Europe and further afield and they need to look at ways to mitigate the extortionate cost passed on by phone providers. 'An eSim is the easiest way to do this. They're already built into your phone and allow you to activate an additional mobile data plan. 'In comparison to roaming charges the cost is minimal. To give you an example, on a recent trip to the USA, my provider was going to charge £5 a day. An eSim plan for a month cost just $12. 'The plans will cover all your data needs including maps, social media, emails, and video calls, with no roaming charges or surprise fees when you get back home.' Is an eSim a good idea? Firstly, it's important to check if your phone supports eSIMs. Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS or later, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up) support eSIM functionality. Check your phone settings or manufacturer website if you're unsure. issues eSIM advice for Brits Choose an eSIM provider Search within the country you are visiting for an eSIM holiday provider. It's quite a competitive market, so it won't take long to find a local supplier offering a good deal on an eSIM. UK Passport Renewal Guide Make sure it's contract free for short term use. Check the daily limits for data, even on an unlimited package. It's easier to find a cheaper provider once you are in the country, so use airport Wi-Fi to get yourself a good local deal. Install the eSIM during your trip This is a fairly straightforward task. You will need to: Download the provider's app or scan a QR code to install the eSIM. You may need another phone to take a photo of the QR code to install it on your own mobile if you don't have a computer or tablet to hand. Or use the manual eSIM installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate it. Set the eSIM as your primary data plan while abroad (you can still receive texts and calls to your UK number if needed). Recommended Reading: Use data wisely Keep an eye on your usage or buy a slightly larger plan to cover streaming and navigation comfortably, as going over those limits can lead to large bills. Switch back easily when you return Once home, just toggle your mobile data settings to return to your UK SIM. The eSIM can usually remain installed for future trips or you can just delete it.
