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

modspa1 wrote:

I have the same issue. iOS 26 is virtually unusable for me for things I do regularly with the device. I am so disappointed with this that I am going to drop Apple altogether, sell my Mavs and buy a new Android phone that actually works. iOS 26 is a disaster.

That's hilarious. If you spent any time over on the Android Support Site you see the same posts saying they are going to buy an iPhone for a myriad of issues they are having with their device. The newly released Android 16 OS is just the latest one over there where users are fed up.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

Because, as we all know, Android phones never have any issues. Their security is great...

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/12/new-android-malware-lets-criminals-control-your-phone-and-drain-your-bank-account

Lawrence Finch wrote:

IdrisSeabright wrote:

Because, as we all know, Android phones never have any issues. Their security is great...

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/12/new-android-malware-lets-criminals-control-your-phone-and-drain-your-bank-account

But what does that have to do with the search bar on the bottom of the screen in iOS 26 that I cannot move to the top?

just kidding! I suppose we all have different priorities.

You are entitled to your opinion, but certainly not shared by all. Obviously every update has had some that did not like it, and ironically now that is the one they want when previously others users could not stand it.

You are certainly free to choose any device you wish and you won't get anyone here stopping you from doing that. I don't think you need to worry about Apple as they are posting record iPhone sales. That might differ from your analysis.

Browndog65 wrote:

I want to downgrade from 26.0 back to 18.6 (or current program before 26.0), as 26.0 is a terrible look and hard to see icons.

The answer to that is found on every single page of the 10 that you see here along with the options that you do have.

Browndog65 wrote:

I want to downgrade from 26.0 back to 18.6 (or current program before 26.0), as 26.0 is a terrible look and hard to see icons.

I like it, but then again opinions really are irrelevant on a Support Site. You have all the options available to you just by reading what has been detailed in this post including the Feedback link to let Apple know how you feel. I certainly would not be using iOS 26.0 as stated in your post when the latest version is 26.2 and includes additional options you may not be aware of.

Bikergofast wrote:

Just curious, why hasn't this thread (and the others like it) been locked by now? It's clear downgrading was only an option during the beta test period. Honest question.

We can't answer your question. This is a user to user only forum and we don't manage the forum. Apple will lock highly contentious threads. They will lock a thread, which hasn't been responded to in a long time. But as long as people are respectful, they will leave a thread going. Keep in mind that yes, the question has been answered. But people often NEVER read past the first post in a thread. So they ask the question which has been asked and answered over and over and over.

T

Bikergofast wrote:

Just curious, why hasn't this thread (and the others like it) been locked by now? It's clear downgrading was only an option during the beta test period. Honest question.

lobsterghost1 wrote:

But people often NEVER read past the first post in a thread. So they ask the question which has been asked and answered over and over and over.

That is an honest question. To expand on lobster’s answer, people who DO read past the first message have seen the answer, so they don’t need to post.

Lawrence Finch wrote:

T

Bikergofast wrote:

Just curious, why hasn't this thread (and the others like it) been locked by now? It's clear downgrading was only an option during the beta test period. Honest question.

lobsterghost1 wrote:

But people often NEVER read past the first post in a thread. So they ask the question which has been asked and answered over and over and over.

That is an honest question. To expand on lobster’s answer, people who DO read past the first message have seen the answer, so they don’t need to post.

I like your AHA moment. But I would counter, that there are still those, who may have read past the first post, but they're going to still waste their time......and ours.

Downgrade ios 26 to 18

The answer has already been given.

Downgrade iPhone da ios 26 a iOS 18.5

Already answered

ios 26 beta to ios 18.5

Again, already answered. Read the post, there is no reason to post the answer again.