How do I downgrade my iPhone from iOS 26 to iOS 18.5?

Unfortunately, you can’t downgrade an iPhone to iOS 18.5 once it’s been updated to iOS 26.

Apple only allows installing versions of iOS that are still being signed — and older versions like iOS 18.5 are no longer signed by Apple’s servers. That means even if you have an IPSW file, the installation will fail because the signature check won’t pass.

If iOS 26 feels unsatisfactory, the best thing you can do is:

1. Submit feedback to Apple here: https://apple.com/feedback/ – this helps improve future releases.
2. Check for upcoming updates under Settings › General › Software Update – Apple often fixes issues quickly with minor updates.
3. Restore your iPhone via Finder or iTunes if you think something went wrong during the update. This can sometimes improve performance.

Once Apple stops signing iOS 26 and releases a new version (like iOS 26.1), you can only move forward, not back.

If you just want your phone to feel faster or more stable again, a clean restore from backup usually helps a lot!

Downgrading to a formerly signed version is not supported and also not supported on Samsung/Android phones. Those that have tried have many times bricked their phones where they are left purchasing a new one. You will find many sites/software claiming that is possible, but of course they are not sending you a new device when yours gets bricked. You can find more information here if you are looking for an alternative.

https://smart.dhgate.com/samsung-update-ruined-my-phone-can-i-downgrade-like-iphone-users-do/

On a side note I remember when iOS 17 was released and saw the same posts here about users who did not like it and wanted to downgrade. The same was true for iOS 18. Not unusual to see those posts no matter what platform you are using.

savas32 wrote:

Translation: "I want iOS 18"

If you have already updated to iOS 26, there is no way to get iOS 18 back. Apple does not support downgrading.

Well, Apple has never provided an option to downgrade the iOS version in 18+ years, so I doubt that you will see any change in that respect.

But.....you can let Apple know here......Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Think about it......if a downgrade were possible......Apple engineers would need to be able to look into the future for years to be able to do what you ask. I don't think anyone has a crystal ball that is that good.

dariusz88 wrote:

I trusted Apple and valued the iPhone for its security. After updating to iOS 26, that changed. My phone stopped working properly, and Apple won’t repair it. So now I’m considering buying an older iPhone with iOS 18.

There are only three models of iPhones that

• Can run iOS 18
• Are eligible to receive the latest release of iOS 18 (currently iOS 18.7.5)
• Will be able to use iMessages and FaceTime after next January

Those are the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max – the three models for which iOS 18 is "the end of the line". All other iPhones that are capable of running iOS 18 can be updated to iOS 26, and are ineligible to get the iOS 18 patch that would let iMessages and FaceTime keep working. The only way for those models to get the bug fixes that Apple put into iOS 18.7.3 – 18.7.5 is for them to update to iOS 26. (Or iOS 27, for models that can run it when it comes out this fall.)

The plain iPhone X cannot update to iOS 18 – for it, iOS 16 is the end of the line.

Keep in mind that in a few years, major third-party app developers might raise the minimum iOS version for their app to IOS 26 or beyond. If you intentionally downgrade to a phone that is not capable of updating past iOS 18, you may run into the problem of app availability drying up sooner, rather than later.

If you are determined to buy a used iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max anyway, please read

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone – Apple Community

If you want to buy a preowned iPhone – Apple Support

to minimize your chances of getting something like an Activation-Locked, and possibly stolen, "brick."

67masonicecreamshorts wrote:

i am really unsure on the ios26 it has completely and utterly drained my battery 3x worse than it was before

In the first 48 hours or so after a major update, your phone is doing a lot of background indexing and housekeeping. The battery will drain more quickly and it will get warmer. This is normal. It should settle down soon.

i hate the design of it and i hate that my keyboard has changed

You should let Apple know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

i want it to go back to the ios18 but my iphone is not fully set up properly is there any other way to fix this problem because i need another way to fix it asap please and thankyou. yours sincerely

It is not possible to go back to iOS 18. I don't know what you mean when you say, "my iPhone is not fully set up properly."

dasia132 wrote:

Because they keep on messing up my phone so I want the iOS 18

Not possible and there never has been a supported method to downgrade any iOS version. Ironically when iOS 18 came out, some users did not like that either, but now that is the version you want to go back to. As with any change, you will get used to it and when the next one comes out, this is the one you are going to want. In the future you can prevent updates if you wish. It has already been installed on millions of devices and most have embraced the new features, including call screening that requires unknown callers to state the purpose of the call before it even rings on your phone.

Alajaiha wrote:

it makes my phone black out and lag and it won’t let me open apple music

First, try a Force Restart:

• Press and quickly release Volume up
• Press and quickly release Volume down
• Press and HOLD the side button until the Apple logo appears. Ignore anything on the screen during that time and it could take up to 15 seconds while holding the side button before you see the Apple logo. If you do not see it then try again, as it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct.

If that does not solve then problem, then you will need to schedule an appointment at the Apple Store. It should be easy to reproduce a problem that makes your screen black out or not being able to open Apple Music.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Computer_5555 wrote:

I am very sorry to tell you that you can’t I want to do it as well but apple does not allow installation of older iOS

When you respond to a post here, look at the date of the post, which in this case was June 19th, more than 6 months ago. I'm pretty sure in six months, they've learned downgrading is not supported.

I am very sorry to tell you that you can’t I want to do it as well but apple does not allow installation of older iOS

You don't, downgrading is not supported.

LUCKYKHATIK wrote:

How do I downgrade my iPhone from iOS 26 to iOS 18.5? iphone 11 ma

There are 11 pages in this thread and it's been answered on each and every page. It would help you to read past the first post. Spoiler Alert: You CAN'T downgrade.

That is not going to happen. As stated in the 8 pages of answers, downgrading is not supported.

Re: “What were you saying about messages and facetime not working after next january?”

That’s when a security certificate needed for those features expires. Apple issued updates to fix this for the iPhone 5s, 6, 6 Plus, and later. But the only way to get the fix is to update your iPhone to the latest major version it supports (iOS 12, 15, 16, 18, or 26, as applicable). You can’t stay back on an older major version.

If you, say, hold an iPhone 14 back on iOS 18, and never update it to iOS 26 or later, those features will stop working after next January because the release of iOS 18 with the fix is not available to you. Your only choice if you want the features to keep working is to update to iOS 26 (or possibly, to IOS 27).

siddupaga wrote:

i want to dewngrade a iphone ios 26 to ios18.5

Hello~ Downgrading is not and never has been Su. If you’re have an issue with current iOS please post details and possibly we can assist you.

~Katana-San~