Apple is preparing to roll out the iOS 18.7 update for compatible iPhones in September, ahead of the wider release of iOS 26. Evidence of the software appeared in MacRumors’ visitor logs, confirming that Apple is finalizing development. The update is not expected to include new features but will deliver important security fixes, making it a necessary installation for users who want to keep their devices safe.
For older iPhones, iOS 18.7 will be a turning point. The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, which launched in 2018, are not supported by iOS 26. This means iOS 18.7 will likely serve as the final major update for these models before Apple phases them out of the update cycle. While they will still function normally, they will not receive the latest features or long-term security support once Apple moves forward with iOS 26.
Apple usually maintains a cycle of five to six years of software support for iPhones, and the timing aligns with its historical pattern. With the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro set to debut on September 9, 2025, the company is focusing its resources on optimizing performance and features for newer devices, while closing the chapter on older hardware. The iOS 18.7 update, therefore, provides one last measure of stability and protection before Apple transitions fully to the next generation.
On the other side of the release, iOS 26 is nearing completion after an extended beta testing period. This update will be compatible with the iPhone 11 and later models and is expected to become available to the public in mid-September, just days after Apple’s hardware event. Looking at previous years, Apple tends to release its major software updates within the week of its keynote. iOS 18 was released on September 16, 2024, iOS 17 on September 18, 2023, and iOS 16 on September 12, 2022. Based on this trend, iOS 26 should follow a similar schedule.
The difference between iOS 18.7 and iOS 26 highlights Apple’s dual-track approach. For legacy devices, stability and security are the priority. For newer iPhones, the goal is to introduce fresh features that extend device functionality and improve the overall experience. While Apple has not detailed the final feature list for iOS 26, its prolonged beta period suggests that it will deliver a refined set of enhancements designed to work seamlessly with the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.
(via MacRumors)
