How to prevent iOS 26 from installing on my iPhone

To prevent iOS 26 from installing, disable automatic updates in Settings, delete any downloaded update files, and consider using a TVOS Beta Profile (or similar) to stay on your current iOS 18/25 track; Apple can force updates, but these steps help block the prompt and install. For a new update, first turn off "Download iOS Updates" and "Install iOS Updates" in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, then delete the update file in Storage if it's already downloaded. 

Schneb wrote:

I had “do not automatically install updates” selected because I like to have bugs ironed out first. Unfortunately, Apple forced me to update anyway. I could not use my iPhone SE until I pressed the update button.

Are you sure? Each ios18 update that you allow often turns auto install and auto download back on. We have to be diligent each update

Is it installed or just waiting to be installed? If it is waiting for you to install you can go to Settings, General, Iphone storage, find the update file, and delete it.

With iOS 26 rolling out, ...

26 rolled out in September.

You can do Settings > General > Software Update and turn OFF "Automatic updates."

That may turn off the "red dot." Or not.

Turning off Automatic Updates after a failed update will only prevent automatic downloads for the next update, not the current one.

Here's why:

• iPhone remembers your update intent: Once you initiate an update, even if it gets interrupted, your iPhone recognizes your desire to install the latest iOS.
• Automatic Updates act as a convenience: This feature is designed to streamline the update process by automatically downloading new versions in the background. Disabling it simply prevents this automatic download.
• Manual update check still possible: You can still check for updates manually by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update." This will allow you to resume the interrupted update or download a new one if available.

Please check if both Automatic Download and Automatic Install are enabled.

See the pic below, which is self-explanatory

Yoursfemmely wrote:

Omg thank you! Because it auto downloaded the update it’s been reminding me to install it all the time and I keep getting worried I’ll say yes. Found the file and deleted it. Maybe it’ll leave me alone now. Maybe… this new iOS seems to be very hated and I don’t want it until it seems detrimental not to have it.

it will if you turn off auto downloads as well as auto updates.

You will need future updates to ios18 but you cannot get them with your phone, so be prepared to be slightly at risk in future.

the original pineypl wrote:

Bonus, how do I get the red alert dot to go away from the Settings app?

Automatic Installation can be stopped, but not the badge. Which is just the warning.

I had “do not automatically install updates” selected because I like to have bugs ironed out first. Unfortunately, Apple forced me to update anyway. I could not use my iPhone SE until I pressed the update button.

Omg thank you! Because it auto downloaded the update it’s been reminding me to install it all the time and I keep getting worried I’ll say yes. Found the file and deleted it. Maybe it’ll leave me alone now. Maybe… this new iOS seems to be very hated and I don’t want it until it seems detrimental not to have it.

Was your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

I have been updating my devices ever since I bought my first device in 2009. iPhone 3Gs, 4S, 5, 6, SE (1st Gen), 7, 8 and iPhone 12 Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone 13, Macbook Air 2019, MacBook Pro 16"

I never had any issues with any iOS, iPadOS, or macOS updates to date.

I would personally recommend everyone update their devices instead of listening to rumors from people who may not have kept their devices free from any spurious software.

iOS / iPadOS devices cannot be hacked or infected with Virus / Malware / Spyware if it is updated to the latest iOS/iPadOS unless you have intentionally downloaded spurious software or unauthorized apps directly from the internet and installed them on your device or/and have Jailbroken. 

iOS updates generally aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. Issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

This seems purely coincidental, so please check the settings on your device.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

the original pineypl wrote:

As the OP, neither of my devices are jailbroken, so that is not the issue, nor is listening to rumors or such.

That's just one of Sravankras universal boilerplate responses, you can ignore it

the original pineypl wrote:

As the OP, neither of my devices are jailbroken, so that is not the issue, nor is listening to rumors or such. My MacBook Pro updated and it has since utilized the fan significantly while idling, burns through battery quickly, has become sluggish, and personally, the UI changes are bothersome.

My wife has the current iPhone and it updated and she is not having great luck with that either. So, while I may be mixing iOS and MacOS, personally, the experience has not been good as they have been in the past. Hopefully updates will correct some of the bugs some of us are running into.

I will attempt to back out of this upgrade through Time Machine backup.

iOS versions are NOT contained in a backup, including Time Machine backups. If you have updated to iOS 26, restoring a backup made before you updated, won't deliver the results you are hoping for.

Ok, oh well, so far my issues have been relatively minor… thankfully!

You're welcome! Thanks for feeding back.