Apple Explains why iOS 18.7.3 is only available to some users still on iOS 18

So I contacted Apple and they confirmed that iOS 18.7.3 is only available for devices not eligible for iOS 26.2

Posted on Dec 14, 2025 10:46 AM

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Posted on Dec 14, 2025 11:11 AM

So the next question that a user might ask would be what iPhones will iOS 18.7.3 support?


That would be iPhones that do support iOS 18, but do not support iOS 26.


It's a limited list.......the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone Xr.

40 replies

Dec 16, 2025 7:03 AM in response to Rob RS125R

Many users are not getting the update on their iPhones, including me for my 16e. You see this question/complaint at Reddit and many Mac/Apple news sites. That’s why the original poster queried Apple support — the update simply is not being presented to many iOS 18.7 users.


Interestingly, a few people have reported you can force the update to appear by enabling 18.7 bata program on your phone. I have not tried that yet.

Dec 16, 2025 7:11 AM in response to Rob RS125R

Rob RS125R wrote:

Read the Apple Support article referenced above. About the security content of iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3

About the security content of iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3 - Apple Support

I appreciate the link. I would point out that it was not "referenced above." This is the first time this link has appeared in this thread.

Dec 16, 2025 5:42 PM in response to grumpyoldman2

grumpyoldman2 wrote:


Perhaps we need the equivalent of a seniors card for apple users where Apple
understand the problems of OLD people! Especially those who are finding the
cost of their new stuff untennable.

Well, I understand the problems of old people. I’m one of several users here who are over 80.

However, the cost of Apple premium products reflects that. The most recent iPads start at $329.

Dec 17, 2025 4:37 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Yes sad that apple can't be bothered to listen. (I've said that so many times!)


Yes, low end devices will always be "woefully inadequate" that is the apple way.


I do have everything on icloud/mac (however again low end mac with external disc once allowed

the user to be on that disc, now it does not - that changed in an earlier version suddenly & so

again apple force an upgrade)


So with everything on icloud the only option seems to be remove photos (the app) from the ipad

which appears not to be allowed. At least I've not managed it yet.

Rebuild the ipad.

This is sounding like paying the ransom is the best option eh?




Dec 17, 2025 4:58 AM in response to lobsterghost1

No. The notes clearly stated that the iOS 18.7.3 update is for all iPhones XS or later on initial publication. They were changed yesterday. Therefore, the published notes were incorrect (very likely the case due to poor internal communication) or Apple change its mind.


In any case, iOS 18.7.3 was developed for ALL iPhones capable of running it, so it's likely Apple intended it to be available for iPhones 11-16 at an earlier stage otherwise testers would not have been allowed to access on iPhones 11-16. In fact, this update can be installed on any iPhone 11-16 if you have a developer or public beta tester account and it is not a beta release. It is the public version but only available for the phones listed above through the beta server. I think this is a confusing situation, but it is what it is.

Dec 17, 2025 7:09 AM in response to grumpyoldman2

grumpyoldman2 wrote:

$US329 should be ~$AU500 (499)
Lowest price in Australia is $AU587
& from apple direct $AU599

Australia. The difference is that the US price does not include tax, but the Australian price includes 10% VAT so the government can get their cut.


And the low end iPad is still very powerful; my wife and I each have one, and I have yet to find anything that it doesn’t do that I need.


Dec 18, 2025 6:07 PM in response to grumpyoldman2

grumpyoldman2 wrote:

I'm not objecting to governments getting a cut, it runs the country,
which ain't easy.
Here it's called GST (Goods & Services Tax)
Is there no tax on such purchases in the US?

Yes, there are sales taxes, but they are state and local, and they are not included in the listed price of a product, because the amount of tax depends on where the item was purchased (I believe this was the norm in Australia at one time). Because any state, county, or municipality can impose its own taxation rate there are over 4,000 different tax rates in the US. There are service providers that will calculate the tax on any purchase and automatically add it to the purchase price for online purchases. five states have no sales tax; others, when combining state, county and local can result in a tax of between 5% to 12%.

Dec 18, 2025 11:47 PM in response to InfamousMarioFan

The LED flash continues to activate for notifications even when Silent Mode is enabled on the iPhone.


This behavior is confusing, as Silent Mode is expected to disable all alert signals, including visual alerts like the LED flash.


There should be an automatic link between Silent Mode and the LED flash, or at least an option to disable the flash when Silent Mode is on.

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Apple Explains why iOS 18.7.3 is only available to some users still on iOS 18

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