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
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.
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.
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.
No, the backup you made in iOS 26 beta will only be able to be used to restore once iOS 26 is publicly released. If you revery to iOS 18.5, all your data will be lost. It is too late now.
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.
If you're not a developer, WHY did you install iOS 26 in the first place? The beta is open to developers only at this time and should as Apple advises, NOT be installed on a primary device. You also cannot come here to ask for any help with Beta software.
not sure why I skimmed past “make a backup” on the update prompt.
There was also a very strong recommendation from Apple to only install beta software on a "spare" phone.
So, a hard lesson learned, but you now know about the first two things to do if you want to look at beta in the future.
@ChrisJ4203, any idea how to revert back to iOS 18.5?
I updated to 26 Developer Beta, but it is pretty buggy right now.
Thank you, not sure why I skimmed past “make a backup” on the update prompt.
the terrible battery life my phone now has will probably help me be on my phone less at least!
Can I revert to iOS 18 using the iOS 26 backup?
