iOS 18.6 Update: 5 iPhone Settings You Should Change Right Now for Better Performance and Privacy

Apple’s latest iOS 18.6 update has officially rolled out, bringing a mix of important bug fixes, security patches, and hidden upgrades that can make your iPhone feel brand new. Released globally in August 2025, the update not only prepares devices for the anticipated iOS 26 launch next month but also introduces subtle tweaks that can dramatically improve daily use.

According to industry experts, this is the perfect time to review your iPhone’s settings. From privacy upgrades to home screen customization, making just a few changes could unlock the full potential of your device.

How iOS 18.6 Improves iPhone Performance and Security

The iOS 18.6 update addresses key security vulnerabilities and bug fixes that have been reported by users over the past months. While these under-the-hood improvements enhance stability and speed, the real magic comes from new customization options and intelligent features.

Experts recommend five specific settings to adjust after installing iOS 18.6:

1. Change Lock Screen Shortcut Buttons
   Previously, iPhone users were stuck with the flashlight and camera shortcuts on the lock screen. Now, these buttons can be removed or replaced with more useful controls—like Shazam music recognition, Dark Mode toggle, alarm/timer, Airplane Mode, Wallet access, or Tap to Cash transfers.

   • How to change: Touch and hold your lock screen, tap “customize,” and choose the new functions you want.

2. Prioritize Important Notifications
   Tired of spam texts and scam alerts? iOS 18.6 uses Apple Intelligence to prioritize messages from your contacts and trusted apps, while pushing irrelevant or suspicious notifications aside.

   • How to change: Go to Settings → Notifications → Apple Intelligence → Prioritize Notifications. You can enable or disable this per app.

3. Redesign Your Home Screen
   You can now arrange app icons freely instead of following the traditional top-to-bottom grid. Icons can be spaced apart, resized, and even tinted to a custom color of your choice.

   • How to change: Activate “jiggle mode” by holding your home screen, drag apps where you want, and select “Tinted” in customization options to adjust hue and luminosity.

4. Customize the Control Centre
   Control Centre is now fully rearrangeable, allowing you to resize controls, add new features, and create multiple pages.

   • How to change: Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up on iPhone SE), hold or tap the + button to enter edit mode, and adjust controls to your liking.

5. Lock or Hide Sensitive Apps
   iOS 18.6 finally lets you hide or lock apps like banking, notes, or health tracking behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

   • How to change: Hold the app icon, select “Require Face ID” (or Touch ID/passcode), and confirm your choice.

Why These Changes Matter for iPhone Users

Apple’s goal with iOS 18.6 is to give users more control, both in terms of functionality and privacy. By customizing lock screen shortcuts and Control Centre, users can make essential tools more accessible. Prioritizing notifications helps reduce distraction, while the ability to lock sensitive apps adds an extra layer of security—critical in an age of increasing mobile scams.

Furthermore, the home screen overhaul introduces a level of personalization previously unavailable in iOS. Users can now create layouts and color themes that better match their style or workflow, improving the overall user experience.

Expert Analysis on iOS 18.6 Rollout

Tech analysts note that Apple’s incremental changes in iOS 18.6 hint at bigger design and AI-driven upgrades in iOS 26, set for release next month. While some features like lock screen customization have been available in Android devices for years, Apple’s integration focuses on simplicity and seamless performance.

The enhanced notification filtering, powered by Apple Intelligence, shows the company’s commitment to on-device AI that balances personalization with privacy. Unlike cloud-based systems, this processing happens locally, reducing data exposure risks.

If you’ve updated to iOS 18.6, taking ten minutes to adjust these settings could make your iPhone more efficient, secure, and enjoyable—while giving you a taste of what’s coming with iOS 26.

You Must Know:

Q1: How do I install iOS 18.6 on my iPhone?
Go to Settings → General → Software Update, and tap “Download and Install” if iOS 18.6 is available. Make sure your device is backed up before updating.

Q2: Can I revert to the old iOS after updating to iOS 18.6?
Apple generally allows downgrades for a short period after release, but only to versions still signed. This window typically lasts one to two weeks.

Q3: Does iOS 18.6 improve battery life?
While not officially stated, many users report slight improvements due to performance optimizations and reduced background activity from the new notification system.

Q4: Is Apple Intelligence safe for my data?
Yes, Apple processes most Apple Intelligence features on-device, which means sensitive information isn’t sent to external servers.

Q5: Do these new customization options work on all iPhones?
Most features are available on iPhone models running iOS 18.6, but some, like advanced Apple Intelligence tools, may require newer devices with the latest chipsets.