Apple Releases iOS 18.6.2 With Security Fixes – Why You Should Update Now

Apple has released iOS 18.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2, a pair of updates focused on security rather than new features. The rollout arrives less than a week after iOS 18.6.1, which restored blood oxygen monitoring on select Apple Watch models.

What’s in iOS 18.6.2

Unlike its predecessor, iOS 18.6.2 does not include any visible user changes. Instead, Apple says the update “provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.” Installation is available through Settings > General > Software Update on supported iPhones and iPads.

For older tablets that no longer run iPadOS 18, Apple has also issued iPadOS 17.7.10 with the same security protections. This ensures that even legacy hardware receives coverage against the newly disclosed flaw.

The Security Flaw Apple Closed

According to Apple’s security notes, iOS 18.6.2 addresses a vulnerability within ImageIO, the system responsible for handling image files. The bug allowed a maliciously crafted image to trigger memory corruption, potentially enabling attackers to exploit targeted devices.

Apple confirmed awareness of reports suggesting the flaw may have been used in real-world attacks against specific individuals. The issue is tracked as CVE-2025-43300 and has been resolved with improved bounds checking in the system framework.

That makes this release more than just a background maintenance patch. For anyone who opens shared images regularly, whether through Messages, Mail, or third-party apps, the fix closes a pathway that could have been abused in highly selective attacks.

Likely Among the Final iOS 18 Updates

The update follows iOS 18.6.1, which re-enabled the blood oxygen feature for compatible Apple Watch models. But bigger changes are waiting just around the corner. iOS 26, Apple’s next major iPhone software release, is expected to debut within weeks. It will bring the redesigned “Liquid Glass” interface along with a broader set of new features across Apple platforms.

That timing makes iOS 18.6.2 one of the last maintenance releases for the iOS 18 cycle. There’s no evidence yet of an iOS 18.7 in development, though Apple has occasionally issued late-cycle updates when security issues demanded it.

For users who plan to delay upgrading to iOS 26 or who own devices not supported by the upcoming version, iOS 18.6.2 now stands as the most stable and secure option available.