Release of iOS 17.6

 iOS 17.6 for iPhone users would be available in the near future

Apple is preparing to imminently release iOS 17.6, which will come with the build number 21G79. iOS 17.6 has been light on features throughout the beta period, so presumably this version will primarily include bug fixes and improvements. The new features that Apple announced for ‌iOS 17‌ have all been implemented at this point, so it is not clear what will be included in iOS 17.6, and no features have been discovered in the developer betas so far.

The information was shared on social media by a private account with a previous good track record. The account has previously shared details about upcoming iOS software updates on multiple occasions. The news comes shortly after the account claimed that iOS 17.5.2 had been “thrown away,” presumably to make room for this release. 

With Apple now shifting its focus to iOS 18, it is likely that iOS 17.6 will include bug fixes and other under-the-hood improvements rather than outward-facing features. Apple started beta testing iOS 17.6 shortly after the first developer beta of iOS 18, and so far the only known feature seems to be a new ‘Catch Up’ feature in the Apple TV app for MLS Season Pass viewers. This feature allows you to catch up on the game if you joined late, by providing a series of highlights for you to watch.

As we get closer to the release of iOS 18, new iOS 17 builds will remain lightweight. As a reminder, iOS 18 will be available in the fall for iPhone XS/XR and newer users and will include a number of new features such as the ability to place app icons anywhere on the Home screen, new dark and dim app icon options, Apple Intelligence for compatible devices and more. Apple has also seeded the second public betas of upcoming watchOS 10.6 and tvOS 17.6 updates.