iOS 18.6 Beta 1 Released: Everything You Need to Know
Apple has officially released iOS 18.6 Beta 1, offering users a preview of the latest updates to its mobile operating system. This beta version emphasizes performance improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced security measures, while maintaining compatibility across a wide range of devices. Below is a detailed look at the key updates and their potential impact in a new video from Zollotech.
Watch this video on YouTube. Performance Enhancements for a Smoother Experience
With iOS 18.6 Beta 1, Apple continues its focus on optimizing performance to deliver a faster and more seamless experience. Whether you're multitasking, launching apps, or navigating the interface, the improvements aim to make your device feel more responsive and efficient.
Key performance upgrades include: Faster app load times, even for resource-intensive applications.
Improved stability during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.
Optimized resource allocation to ensure smoother operation on older devices.
These enhancements are designed to benefit both newer and older devices, making sure that users experience consistent performance regardless of their device's age or workload. By addressing latency and responsiveness, Apple aims to make everyday interactions with your device more fluid and enjoyable. Bug Fixes for Improved Reliability
iOS 18.6 Beta 1 addresses a variety of user-reported issues, focusing on improving system reliability and resolving disruptive bugs. These fixes are critical for maintaining a dependable operating system, especially for users who rely on their devices for work or other essential tasks.
Examples of resolved issues include: Fixes for app crashes that previously interrupted workflows.
Corrections for unresponsive system features and inconsistent behavior.
Improvements to overall system stability during daily use.
By resolving these issues, Apple aims to enhance the user experience, making sure that the operating system functions smoothly and predictably. These updates are particularly valuable for users who depend on their devices for productivity and entertainment. Strengthened Security and Privacy Features
Security and privacy remain central to Apple's development priorities, and iOS 18.6 Beta 1 introduces updates aimed at protecting user data and devices. Although Apple has not disclosed all the details, the enhancements align with its ongoing commitment to user trust and data protection.
Potential security updates include: More detailed controls over app permissions and data sharing.
Enhanced safeguards against malware and unauthorized access.
Greater transparency regarding how personal information is used.
These updates are particularly relevant in today's digital landscape, where protecting sensitive information is more critical than ever. By strengthening security measures, Apple continues to position itself as a leader in privacy-focused technology. Device Compatibility and Beta Considerations
iOS 18.6 Beta 1 is designed to be compatible with a broad range of Apple devices, making sure accessibility for both newer and older models. If your device supports iOS 18, you are likely eligible to install and test the beta version.
Important considerations for beta users include: Beta software is still under development and may contain minor bugs or issues.
If you rely on your device for critical tasks, it may be wise to wait for the final release.
Installing the beta provides early access to new features but may require troubleshooting.
Participating in the beta program allows Apple to gather valuable feedback from users, which helps refine the system before the official release. This collaborative approach ensures a more polished and stable final product for all users. What This Means for You
iOS 18.6 Beta 1 showcases Apple's dedication to improving its operating system through performance optimizations, bug fixes, and enhanced security measures. These updates are designed to address user concerns while introducing meaningful improvements that enhance the overall experience.
If you're eager to explore the latest features and don't mind testing pre-release software, the beta version is available now. However, for those who prioritize stability and reliability, waiting for the final release may be the better option. Either way, iOS 18.6 Beta 1 sets the stage for a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly operating system.
Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on iOS 18.6 Beta 1 that you might find useful.
Source & Image Credit: zollotech 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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
Musk says robotaxi to launch in Austin, Texas on Sunday afternoon
June 22 (Reuters) - Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab has started testing robotaxis with passengers in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday, with customers paying a flat fee of $4.20, as the electric vehicle maker looks to roll out the much-anticipated service and gain a foothold in the self-driving technology race.
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Tesla Insurance 2024 Losses, Combined Ratio & Safety Score Data-Driven Risks
Customer complaints mount as payouts lag In May 2025, Tesla's insurance arm posted a combined ratio of 121% — meaning for every dollar in premiums, it paid out $1.21 in claims and expenses. For context, most insurers break out into a profuse, 'I am going to lose my job' sweat if that number nudges above 95%. Elon Musk pitched Tesla Insurance, a subsidiary of Tesla Inc. as the 'missing piece' in the Tesla ecosystem. He argued Tesla owners now crave more than torque — they want their insurance bill to shrink as fast as their 0–60 mph time. 0:07 / 0:09 2025 Audi S3: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Tesla Insurance Loss & Combined Ratios versus Industry Average, 2023–2024. In this chart, you can see just how far off the mark Tesla is compared to the industry average. The loss ratio shows what portion of premiums is paid out in claims, while the combined ratio adds all expenses. Above 100%? You're losing money on every single policy you sell, even before you count the cost of keeping the lights on. For Tesla, that means underwriting losses — $42 million in the first nine months of 2024 alone. It might not look like a lot, but by insurance industry standards, year over year 2023-2024 Tesla are still bleeding profusely. These are very serious 'in the red' numbers for an insurance company. The chart highlights that Tesla Insurance's loss and combined ratios were much higher than the industry averages in both 2023 and 2024. Even as Tesla improved in 2024, it still paid out far more in claims and expenses than it collected in premiums — underscoring ongoing profitability challenges compared to traditional auto insurers. The Third-Person Cinematic Scene The Tesla Insurance sold by Musk offered a 'disruptor' view of car insurance, no doubt spurred on by asking himself what in the data they already collect from owners' cars could they captialize on. Picture a Model Y idling in a suburban driveway, the morning sun glinting off its glass roof. The owner sips coffee, scrolling through the Tesla app — not for a new FSD beta, but to check how must she will have to pay this month in car insurance. The number flickers, driven by last week's hard braking and that one questionable left turn. A push notification: 'Safety Score: 92. Your rate may decrease.' But as the birds chirp and the caffeine kicks in, a question lingers: Is Tesla's insurance experiment a revolution in risk or just another Silicon Valley mirage? Let's also not forget a Tesla Y is meant to also be able to go off-road. What happens to this month's premium if our owner decides to take the family for a spin to a favorite camp site? What about when you decide to go hands-free? The premium will surely spike. The Disruptor's Dilemma: When Data Meets Damage Claims Tesla Insurance launched with a promise: harness real-time driving data, reward safe behavior, and undercut legacy insurers. The pitch? 'We know our cars best, so we can price risk better.' For a while, it worked—sort of. By 2024, Tesla Insurance had reached a $300 million annual premium run rate and was available in 16 states (Tesla Q1 2025 Earnings). But then came the numbers: a combined ratio of 145% in 2023, easing to 'only' 121% by Q3 2024. Progress, sure, but still deep in the red. Any other insurer would be firing people hand over fist. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Safety Score: The Algorithmic Tightrope Tesla's secret sauce is the Safety Score — a real-time, black-box rating that turns every commute into a behavioral audit. Hard brake at a yellow light? That's a ding. Take a corner with a little too much verve? Another. Go off-road? God only knows. In theory, this should incentivize safer driving and lower claims. In practice, owners complain about 'phantom dings', lifestyle choices they didn't have to make before, and inscrutable penalties. Again, Tesla's monitoring feels both opaque and invasive. And then there's the repair bill. Teslas remain expensive to fix, with parts and labor often pricier than their ICE counterparts. And mostly VIN-locked. Even with all that data, Tesla Insurance can't escape the gravitational pull of high repair costs — especially as increased vandalism and accident rates tick up in urban markets. The Investor's Paradox: Growth vs. Gravity For investors, Tesla Insurance is both a carrot and a stick. The business is growing — fast — but the losses are stubborn. As Tesla expands coverage and refines its algorithms, the combined ratio is falling, but not fast enough. The industry gold standard is a combined ratio below 95 percent. Tesla's 121 percent is still a very long way from liquid. Tesla Insurance has kept being able to pay claims despite earning less than the costs by cash infusions from Tesla Inc, their parent company. Tesla Insurance lost $30 million in 2023, and $42 million for the first 9 months of 2024; so it will be well over $50 million for the full 2024 so expect the line for 2024 in the chart to rise. The stakes are real, of course. If Tesla cracks the code, using its data edge to drive down claims and costs, and its owners feel it adds to their life, it could rewrite the rules of auto insurance. It needs to do this without alienating the insured with premium increases on every hard brake. If they can't do these things, the business becomes a costly distraction, a cautionary tale for tech giants who think they can outsmart old-school actuaries. Real-World Rituals: The Human Cost of Disruption For owners, the promise of lower premiums is offset by frustration with claims processing and the opaque Safety Score, which nudges their premiums up and down seemingly at random. The ritual of checking your rate has become a new form of range anxiety. Will this month's premium spike because of a single swerve? Meanwhile, Tesla forums buzz with tales of denied claims and customer service black holes. So, is Tesla Insurance the promised disruptor? Is it a revolution in the making or a slow-motion fender-bender? The numbers say 'not yet' — but the experiment is far from over but shrouded in corporate blood lost. At 70 mph, with the Safety Score whispering in your ear, you have to wonder: is this the future of insurance, or just another beta test by a known conjurer? In the end, all we really want is a policy that's as smart — and as fair — as the car it covers. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Honda's Pikes Peak Debut Hints at Hydrogen's Future in U.S. Defense Strategy
Honda CR-V e:FCEV proves hydrogen has a promising future Hydrogen hasn't quite caught on like automotive manufacturers hoped, with refueling stations largely limited to California. While many experts and consumers alike have written off hydrogen in favor of battery-electric vehicles, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV is out to prove that fuel cell modules have a future by taking a run at the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, better known as 'Race to the Clouds.' The 156-turn, 12.42-mile mountain climb will take place on June 22nd, and it's only possible because of Zero Emissions Industries' (ZEI) FTcase, a portable hydrogen refueling system. 0:00 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More ZEI FTcase, a portable hydrogen refueling solution — Source: ZEI Honda has a long history in zero-emission competition This isn't Honda's first rodeo when it comes to entering zero-emission vehicles in the intense mountain climb. The automaker's history of zero-emissions competition at Pikes Peak dates back to 1994, when Honda won the first-ever EV Class race with an electric Honda Civic wagon. In 1999, the manufacturer entered a race-ready EV Plus into the EV Class, taking home another win. 15 years later, in 2014, an electrified Honda Fit won the EV Class for a third time. The following year, Honda ventured into the Exhibition Class with an EV concept based on the CR-Z. In 2016, a four-motor EV with NSX styling completed the Pikes Peak run in just over nine minutes. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV will compete in the Exhibition Class on June 22nd, powered by a stock zero-emission powertrain on June 22nd. Other modifications include a one-inch lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels, racing brake pads, racing seat, and safety cage. There's no hydrogen refueling infrastructure available at the local level, which means the CR-V e:FCEV is relying on ZEI's FTcase, a portable hydrogen fueling system, to stay in the race. The refueling system allows a single driver with no hydrogen expertise to refuel a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle safely. The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV utilizes the automaker's second-generation fuel cell system, which improves durability, increases efficiency, and lowers costs compared to the previous generation. The hydrogen-powered crossover features plug-in charging capability, offering up to 29 miles of electric-only driving and an EPA-estimated 270-mile driving range. The plug-in hybrid powertrain uses a single electric motor that produces 174 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda The CR-V e:FCEV is hand-built at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio. It's the only fuel cell passenger vehicle made in the United States, and the first to combine hydrogen fuel cell technology with a plug-in hybrid system. Available in one trim level, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV starts at $50,000 and is only available for purchase in California. The hydrogen-powered CR-V acts as proof of concept for military use If anything, ZEI's FTcase proves that hydrogen can be a logistical solution in military applications, namely in sensor-heavy environments. Specifically, the U.S. Special Forces Operations Command has prioritized 'Reduced Signature' capabilities in its search for an alternative fuel source. Such a fuel source would need to have low thermal, visual, and audible signatures. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda The Army is also currently developing alternative power sources for unmanned vehicles, command equipment, and power generation. Hydrogen fits the bill to a T, with no greenhouse gas emissions and low thermal signatures that would help the alternative fuel source fly under the radar. Army researchers are taking hydrogen generation methods a step further, with a focus on improving the life of fuel cells, catalysts, and cleansing systems. Fuel cell power sources also need to be compact, easy to move, and relatively undetectable. Under the Obama administration, the Department of Defense put a heavy focus on solar power. More recently, however, the Pentagon has shifted to hydrogen fuel cell adoption. The Air Force, for example, deployed a 600-kW fuel cell microgrid at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii last year. While a single microgrid is a start, the hydrogen puzzle is still one that needs to be solved. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda Natural gas is the primary source of hydrogen, but coal also makes its own contribution. As a proposed alternative to fossil fuel dependency, hydrogen sourced from coal isn't exactly a solid game plan. Fortunately, new hydrogen sources are within reach, with electrolysis proving one of the most promising. Electrolysis is essentially a fuel cell in reverse – hydrogen is extracted from water via a membrane, a catalyst, and electricity. That's where the existing solar arrays from the Obama administration come into play. By using the solar arrays already available at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the military plans become self-sufficient in its hydrogen fuel production. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda Final thoughts The Honda CR-V e:FCEV's Pikes Peak run has essentially acted as a proof of concept for compact, portable hydrogen refueling stations. Without ZEI's FTcase, odds are the hydrogen-powered CR-V wouldn't be able to compete. Since hydrogen infrastructure hasn't exactly taken the nation by storm, the alternative fuel source has fallen by the wayside simply due to infrastructure and cost, but not everyone has written it off completely. Several automakers are still researching and developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Now, with the military dipping its toes into the water, it's only a matter of time before we see fuel cells fulfilling logistical needs where battery-electric power isn't feasible. About the Author Joseph Pudlewski View Profile
