Can I revert to iOS 18 using the iOS 26 backup?

i updated to ios 26 without making a backup. i just made a backup on ios 26, will i be able to revert to ios 18 using my ios 26 backup?




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Updated to iOS 26 without making a backup.

iPhone 15, iOS 26

Posted on Jun 10, 2025 7:23 PM

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Posted on Jun 12, 2025 12:10 AM

Unfortunately, backups made on iOS 26 usually won’t be compatible if you revert to iOS 18 — you likely won’t be able to restore that backup directly.


When I was in a similar situation with an older iOS beta, after downgrading, I used UltData iOS Data Recovery to recover some important data that wasn’t restored through backups. It’s not guaranteed, but might be worth trying.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 12, 2025 12:10 AM in response to HoldRipper

Unfortunately, backups made on iOS 26 usually won’t be compatible if you revert to iOS 18 — you likely won’t be able to restore that backup directly.


When I was in a similar situation with an older iOS beta, after downgrading, I used UltData iOS Data Recovery to recover some important data that wasn’t restored through backups. It’s not guaranteed, but might be worth trying.

Jun 10, 2025 7:40 PM in response to HoldRipper

Updated to iOS 26


iOS 26 will not be released until sometime this fall. You installed very early and largely untested beta software. There is not even a Public Beta available yet.


......will i be able to revert to ios 18 using my ios 26 backup?


No, you can install a backup from an "older" iOS version to a newer iOS version, but you can't go backwards......install a backup made using a "newer" iOS back to an iPhone using an "older" version of iOS.


If you revert to iOS 18, unfortunately you will lose all of your data.



Jun 10, 2025 7:53 PM in response to raina45

Yes, see this. How to uninstall iOS or iPadOS beta software - Apple Support

However, you will need a computer, and you will lose all of your data. If you are a developer, you would know that and also how to prepare a device before you install beta software which is inherently buggy. You also would have known as a developer that you don't install beta software on your daily use device.

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Can I revert to iOS 18 using the iOS 26 backup?

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