iPhone SE 2020: Can I update to iOS 18 instead of iOS 26.2?

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iPhone SE 2020: Can I update to iOS 18 instead of iOS 26.2?

Hi everyone! I have an iPhone SE 2020 currently running iOS 16.5.1

A few months ago I went to the Software Update page and I saw that I could choose to update to iOS 18 OR iOS 26, so I thought about it because my iPhone is still smooth and I wish it TO still be smooth for a few years (I'm a big fan of the Home Button and a phone that can still fit in my pocket).

So, I thought "okay, I'm gonna free up space (too many photos/videos) and then I'm gonna upgrade to iOS 18 BUT, when I clicked on the banner it disappeared and now it gives me the only option to update to iOS 26.2. There is some way that I can upgrade to an iOS that is not the last one? I really think that my phone is going to be useless then. Has someone been in this situation? What can I do? Thanks a lot :)

iPhone SE, iOS 16

Posted on Jan 18, 2026 3:31 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 18, 2026 3:42 AM in response to val7e

Your option is to remain on the iOS version you’re currently using or upgrade to current version of iOS 26. iOS 18 is no longer an option. You can express your thoughts and feelings directly to Apple via their direct feedback page linked below. Everyone here is an Apple user, so there is no other option through the communities here.

Product Feedback - Apple

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Answer 2

Jan 18, 2026 4:19 AM in response to val7e

If they did post here, they were given the same information. This is a user to user community. Apple and Apple Support do not participate here. Apple only moderates the communities for content violation, like posting illegal, inappropriate content, and proper behavior among the participants.

I hope you have a great rest of your weekend and good luck!

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Answer 3

val7e Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 18, 2026 3:59 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Thanks! I wrote here in hoping to find someone that had the same issue. I will write a direct feedback!

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iPhone SE 2020: Can I update to iOS 18 instead of iOS 26.2?

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