How can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.5?

Denisgocea wrote:

I downloaded iOS 26 and I want iOS 18.5 but I don't have a laptop

Returning an iPhone to the production version of iOS from a beta requires use of a computer - either a Mac or Windows PC. There are no alternatives.

The process is described repeatedly, by multiple contributors, throughout this thread.

Apple told you to use a "spare" phone for the iOS 26 beta. It appears that you did not do this.

Did you make a special "Archive Backup" on your Mac.....before....you installed iOS 26?

If not, you are going to lose all of the data on your phone if you move back to iOS 18.

Kenny4634 wrote:

Please I need too update my IOS

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

As of 29 July 2025, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi+Cellular)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1*, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3* - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8.4

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.11

iPad6, iPad Pro (10.5"/12.9" 2nd generation) - iPadOS 17.7.9

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 18.6

• iPad Pro 13" (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2/M3)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later + A17 Pro)

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

olayinka75 wrote:

Yes

If you’re looking to revert from iOS 26 to iOS 18, there are numerous replies in the ten pages of the thread here.

Here is: How to uninstall iOS or iPadOS beta software - Apple Support

You will lose some data by reverting with a backup.

You will lose somewhat more data with a reset, if there is no backup.

If you can’t lose any data, continue with the iOS 26 beta.

mirzabek288 wrote:

I want back ios 18

Apparently you did not ready anything here before posting. You will not get iOS 18 back. The link has also been provided to send feedback to Apple if you wish, they won't know how you feel by posting anything here.

When I try to restore from IOS 26 to IOS 18.5 by putting the iphone in restore mode. IOS 26 keeps coming back on my iphone and not IOS 18.5.

That's correct. Restoring your phone will always result in the installation of the current iOS version available.

If you have a backup before the iOS 26, if you tried for beta, You should have a backup copy of a iCloud or iTunes when your device is running 18.5. But Be aware that restoring earlier versions of iOS will reset and erase your iPhone. Theres no other way to revert.

Over 300 replies saying you cannot go back to iOS 18 in this thread alone, and it amazes me that people still ask. As if somehow, as if by magic, the answer will be different the 301st time it is asked.

Lawrence Finch wrote:

Over 300 replies saying you cannot go back to iOS 18 in this thread alone, and it amazes me that people still ask. As if somehow, as if by magic, the answer will be different the 301st time it is asked.

You never know....;-)

You're welcome to send Apple feedback. https://apple.com/feedback

I wouldn't hold your breath, though.

Ghost or phantom touches are most often a symptom of a failing touch-screen. Software can't fix that.

Make an appointment at the Genius Bar.

True, every change is met with resistance and people choose familiarity over new features. I agree with you on that.

But recently, specifically with iOS26, the company has released a version without fully making it functional. There are a lot of bugs and serious issues with this version that is released to the public. Never faced this kind of issue with previous OS upgrades (except that one time if you know what I mean).

This collective surge of people asking to downgrade to 18.5 is not because of familiarity or because they didn’t “like” the new design. It is more on bugs and usability.

for example, this new OS drains battery twice faster in my case compared to 18.5 with my same type and quantum of usage. That itself is a strong reason that makes me choose an old OS over any new feature the OS might offer. I am okay if my phone stays on till the night even if I don’t get all the new fancy features. Because to enjoy those feature, I will first need the phone to be on.

I don’t know about the author of this query or other participants in this thread, but me personally, I would like a downgrade without data loss from Apple and wait till they fix all the bugs in this OS and the battery issue to upgrade back to 26.

also, we know downgrade is not allowed and that’s why it is not possible, given none of us have any authority in this matter. But this is more of a plea to the community to support the notion that downgrading should be allowed, especially in matters like this where the new OS needs some work.

so your answers are correct, currently it is not possible. But they should make it possible, because technically we can do that. Just that would be a lot more work for developers.

Look here -

How can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18… - Apple Community

It is impossible to downgrade iOS when you upgrade it.

Here you go -

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256078060?sortBy=oldest_first

Mieaaa wrote:

I want to go back iOS 18.5 because I don’t like iOS 26 please help me to fix this

NO. You'll have to learn to live with iOS 26. Downgrading is NOT supported.