Unable to upgrade IOS 26 after 18.7 installation via iTune or Finder.

10 days later and I’m having the same issue with my 16 Pro. Waited for 26.0.1 to release and now I STILL can’t update. Hurry up and sort this out Apple!

Same issue here.

Mac OS 26.0.1, iOS 18.7.1

This definitely is a bug. Check for update does not work, and thinks iOS 18.7 is the latest version.

This is ridiculous. Still the same thing. Apple needs to fix this ASAP! it should be able to update to IOS 26 via finder running MacOS Tahoe 26.0.1.

Hi Tom, I forgot about Configurator! This totally worked for me to workaround this annoying bug. Thanks so much!

Hey how did you manage to log into the app? Can't I use the iCloud credentials for this app?

my software update said an error occurred while checking for a software update

One workaround I was able to find. Before that, first you should connect your phone to Mac or windows and a full backup on it, so you have a point-in-time backup incase you loose your data. Then put the phone in recovery mode and update, following these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume up button.
3. Press and quickly release the Volume down button.
4. Press and hold the Power button until you see the screen displaying a laptop and a cable.
5. Finder (or iTunes) will display a message saying it needs to update or restore the iPhone.
6. Click Update. Your computer will download the update and install it on your iPhone.
7. If the iOS 26 installation goes through without issues, your iPhone should reboot normally.

Good Luck!