My iPhone is currently on iOS 18.5. In Software Update, I’m being offered an update labeled iOS 26.2, already downloaded but not installed. Why would an update jump from 18.5 to 26.2? Not sure I should install it. Thanks for any advice.
iPhone 12, iOS 18
Please watch this video, particularly at the 12:52 mark, to understand the rationale behind the naming version numbers to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, WatchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 across Apple platforms.
they changed to a year based version, even though ios26 was released in 2025
why? donno we are not apple so we can only guess, suppose it might've been to give both macOS, watchOS, ios, IpadOS and homepodOS the same version.
Rudegar wrote:
they changed to a year based version, even though ios26 was released in 2025
Sounds like the way that auto manufacturers name their cars. A "2026" car generally will have been introduced close to the end of 2025.
As far as Apple's past behavior goes, since 2013, just about every major version of any OS has been released in September or October. Exceptions:
All of these exceptions may be related to the timing of releasing new products – in the case of Big Sur, the first Apple-Silicon-based Macs.
So car-model-year-type version numbering wouldn't have required much (if any) change to the way that they set their development schedules.
With Apple’s new numbering system, iOS 26.2 is now the most recent, compatible version for your device.
Thank you very much. This information was very helpful, and thanks for mentioning the time stamp, as this is a very long video.
Why is my iPhone offering iOS 26.2 from iOS 18.5?
