Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 on iPhone?

Question

Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 on iPhone?

Subject: Issues with iOS 26 – Request to Allow Downgrade to iOS 18

Message:

Dear Apple Support Team,

I am currently using iOS 26, and I am facing multiple issues that are affecting my daily usage experience:

During WhatsApp calls, I am unable to navigate to other chats smoothly.
While on calls, the contact wallpaper does not appear properly, and the phone lags.
The battery is draining very quickly compared to previous versions.
The device heats up abnormally during regular use.
Touch response is inconsistent, and sometimes the screen does not register inputs properly.
Overall, the device performance has become unstable after updating to iOS 26.

These issues are making the device difficult to use effectively. I kindly request Apple to consider signing iOS 18 again so that users like me can safely downgrade and continue using a more stable version without these problems.

Thank you for your support and consideration.

your sincerely

Dhanarajagopal

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: ios 26 Issues

iPhone 16, iOS 26

Posted on Oct 10, 2025 9:04 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

lobsterghost1

Community+ 2026

Level 10

211,636 points

Oct 10, 2025 9:11 AM in response to dhanarajagopal

You can request it all you want, but Apple has NEVER supported downgrading iOS. And this isn't Apple Support anyway. This is a user to user only forum, which Apple doesn't read nor participate in.

I have none of the issues you've referenced with iOS 26. You did mention an issue with WhatsApp, so contact them for help with their app. Apple has nothing to do with WhatsApp. Or at least, make sure you're using the latest version of their app.

Did you Force Restart your iPhone after you updated (something I do after EVERY iOS update0 --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

It's normal for a phones battery to deplete faster after an iOS update and it's normal for it run warmer too. The phone may take several days to reindex the millions upon millions of bytes of data on the phone. That takes time and consumes battery power, which naturally generates heat.

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Answer 2

Oct 10, 2025 9:08 AM in response to dhanarajagopal

This is not Apple Support. Apple Support and Apple do not participate here. Everyone posting and commenting are fellow Apple users, just like you.

You need to have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.

If you’re in the US please call 1-800-MY-APPLE or outside the US, consult the support articles below. In Canada call 1-800-263-3394

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Explore Service Locations

Official Apple Support

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