Apple recently released iOS 26, and as usual, it has now stopped signing iOS 18.6.2, making downgrading to that version of iOS no longer possible. This means that once you’ve installed iOS 26, there is no going back.
Apple has also stopped signing iPadOS 18.6.2 and tvOS 18.6.
iOS 18.6.2 fixed a security vulnerability that is known to have been actively exploited in the wild. iOS 26 is a major update to Apple’s iPhone software, bringing several new features to the iPhone lineup.
iOS 26 brings a new design that is crafted with Liquid Glass, which is a new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, bringing greater focus to content. The new design is used on both the Lock Screen and Home Screen, bringing new customization options to app icons and widgets, including a clear look.
A simplified, streamlined Camera layout is new to the Photos app, which is also updated to feature separate tabs for Library and Collections views.
Safari’s web pages now flow from the top edge to the bottom of the screen, enabling users to see more of the page while maintaining access to frequently used actions like refresh and search.
New Apple Intelligence features include Live Translation, which is integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone to help users communicate across languages, translating text and audio on the fly. This feature is run entirely on device, so your conversations stay private.
The iOS 26 software can be downloaded on compatible devices over the air by going to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update.”
While falling back to an older iOS version is often used by users who jailbreak their iPhones, it can also be helpful for users who experience significant bugs after upgrading to the latest version of iOS.
By preventing users from downgrading their devices to older versions of iOS, Apple ensures that the devices are kept up to date with the newest security improvements.
