With iOS 26 now rolling out to the public, many users are already asking if they can return to iOS 18, the last major version before Apple’s naming change. For those unhappy with early bugs, performance drops, or battery drain, downgrading sounds like the quickest fix.
However, Apple controls all downgrades through its signing servers. Every time you restore or install iOS, Apple verifies the software build. If a version is no longer being signed, the installation is blocked, even if you have the IPSW file saved. Because of this, it’s impossible to downgrade from iOS 26 all the way back to iOS 18. The signing window for that release closed years ago, and Apple only signs the latest public versions.
The good news is that Apple has also released iOS 18.7 today as a security and stability update. Since iOS 18.7 is still signed, users can downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.7. This is the only supported downgrade path right now, and it ensures you remain on a secure version of iOS with Apple’s latest fixes.
Update: you can downgrade to iOS 18.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2, as that’s the latest build available for most iPhone and iPad models. You have to follow the same instructions below to do so.
How to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.7
If you decide to roll back, the process requires a Mac or Windows PC with Finder or iTunes. You’ll also need the correct iOS 18.7 IPSW file for your device, which can be downloaded from Apple’s official servers or trusted repositories.
- Back up your iPhone
Use iCloud or Finder/iTunes to create a full backup. Note that you cannot restore a backup made on iOS 26 to iOS 18.7, so you’ll need to rely on iCloud data syncing (Contacts, Photos, Notes, etc.) if you downgrade. - Download the iOS 18.7 IPSW file
Make sure the file matches your exact iPhone or iPad model. Using the wrong IPSW will fail validation. Download iOS 18.6.2 or iPadOS 18.6.2 files if it’s the latest software update for your device. - Connect your device to your computer
Open Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on macOS Mojave or earlier/Windows). - Enter recovery mode
Quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, then hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen. - Install iOS 18.7
In Finder or iTunes, select your device. Hold down Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Restore iPhone. Select the iOS 18.7 IPSW file you downloaded. - Wait for installation
Your device will erase and install iOS 18.7. Once it restarts, you can set it up as new and sign in with your Apple ID to restore iCloud data.
This process only works while Apple continues to sign iOS 18.7. Once the signing window closes, you’ll be forced to remain on iOS 26 or whichever new build is current.
If you are experiencing issues on iOS 26 but want to maintain compatibility with older apps or avoid early bugs, downgrading to iOS 18.7 is the safest path available today.
