iOS 17.6 & more arrives in wake of Apple Intelligence beta release

Apple has released updates for its current-gen operating systems, with the builds of iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, tvOS 17.6, and macOS Sonoma 14.6 now available to install.

Following five rounds of betas, including a batch of release candidates, Apple has released the updates for its current-generation operating systems.

Depending on the configuration of devices, the updates may automatically download and install for users once the updates are detected. Alternately, a manual update can be pushed through via the Settings app.

The updates are only for the current-generation operating systems, not for the fall updates. Apple is operating a concurrent beta track for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia 15.

Due to the fall updates arriving within months, it is extremely unlikely for Apple to introduce new features to the current operating systems, outside of performance and security fixes.

How to update to iOS 17.6

Updating an iPhone is straightforward and doesn't require much user intervention. Generally, if the user has automatic updates enabled, the update will install overnight without prompt.

If, for some reason, the update doesn't install automatically or if the user wants to install it manually, that is done via the Settings app.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap "General"
3. Tap "Software Update"
4. The software update will appear here when available