Level 1

11 points

Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 using a backup?

hey, guys or maybe developers if they’re ever reading those questions. i have backup of a ios 18, can i downgrade my 26 ios somehow? i know there’s no signed versions of ios 18 anymore, but maybe..

i just cannot stand ios 26, it make my phone constantly overheating, losing battery capacity in DAYS, and make me literally cry, because i spent 1k$ for a phone that i used for a half a year, and now i have to buy another one just because i cannot use this one anymore. anything you can do? i wish apple returned signing to ios 18 at least for a day. i just need to downgrade somehow, but if it’s impossible, i understand. but if anyone have tips, please share..

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: downgrade via backup possible?

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Apr 18, 2026 8:19 PM

Top-ranking reply

lobsterghost1

Community+ 2026

Level 10

211,430 points

Posted on Apr 18, 2026 8:26 PM

No. Backups do not contain the iOS at all. So you cannot restore the backup made on iOS 18 to an iPhone which is on iOS 26 and in any way go back to iOS 18. Simply said, downgrading has never been supported. Also, this is a user to user only forum. Apple isn't here and doesn't read this forum for user feedback.

The vast majority of people aren't having heating issues, nor does the iOS make the battery lose capacity. Batteries are consumable parts and with every full cycle battery charge, regardless of the iOS, the battery will lost some of its health. This is normal and cannot be stopped. What is your current Battery Health? Settings > Battery > Battery Health.

When you say your phone is overheating, are you seeing a red thermometer on your screen with a warning the phone can't be used until it cools down? If no, your phone isn't overheating.

Often after an iOS update, Force Restarting helps and it's something I do after EVERY iOS update. Do you do this --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

If you aren't pleased with Liquid Glass, I wrote this to help people, so see if anything here helps you --> Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community

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27 replies

Jun 13, 2026 7:15 AM in response to Brian of Planet Earth

Brian of Planet Earth wrote:

I agree. I’ve been so upset with this redesign on so many levels. And I never complain but I’m just so frustrated I’m actually considering leaving the ecosystem. The moving of a search bar, the cartoonish designs on some of the icons. I could go on. This is the worst design I’ve ever encountered in sorry to say. Apple appears to be losing their way.

You're certainly entitled to your opinion. But it's an opinion not shared by everyone. Has Liquid Glass been polarizing? Yes. Just as in years past changes to iOS design and layout were. Personally, I really LIKE Liquid Glass. Skeuomorphic design is becoming more common everywhere, including on Android phones, which they call Material Design 3.

I don't think Apple is losing their way at all. If Apple doesn't innovate, people complain they are stagnant. If they do innovate, people complain they don't like the change. You just can't make an operating system which is universally loved by all.

Jeff Donald provided a link to a user tip I wrote to help people better adjust the effects of Liquid Glass. I'm sure if you use it and explore the options, you can find ways to make it more comfortable for you. And more changes are coming as he suggests as well.

Jul 31, 2026 11:56 AM in response to Bob Timmons

People hated iOS 18 because it was buggy at first.

People hate iOS 26 because it was buggy at first, and it’s ugly visually.

iOS 26 technically has more cons and the reason people hate it more is because anyone can notice a visual change, but most of the world (we sadly live in a world where almost everyone is tech illiterate) isn’t gonna notice bugs.

Jul 31, 2026 11:58 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Apple should give users the choice to install older iOS is they want to, at their own risk. They already do this for Mac devices. You can downgrade a Mac via ipsw as well as a usb installer, officially, no shady tools needed.

Jul 31, 2026 12:24 PM in response to lobsterghost1

I’m aware that it’s user only, I’m just spreading the word as I’ve already left feedback about this and they don’t really seem to care.

Also, it doesn’t not require them any extra maintenance actually, they already maintain older iOS versions, they just keep the updates exclusive to older phone models.

I’ve researched the topic heavily, and trust me when I say allowing iOS downgrades is something they can easily do, but choose not to, due to some skewed philosophy.

Jul 31, 2026 12:31 PM in response to MicahTechDev

MicahTechDev wrote:

I’m aware that it’s user only, I’m just spreading the word as I’ve already left feedback about this and they don’t really seem to care.

Also, it doesn’t not require them any extra maintenance actually, they already maintain older iOS versions, they just keep the updates exclusive to older phone models.

I’ve researched the topic heavily, and trust me when I say allowing iOS downgrades is something they can easily do, but choose not to, due to some skewed philosophy.

Spreading the word about what, exactly? That you want something not supported? Do you think anyone here can do anything about the word you want to spread? You're wasting your time to say the same thing over and over. You might find what you're looking for in terms of support on Reddit or Quora. This is not the place to complain about downgrading.

Katana-San

Level 10

99,179 points

Jul 31, 2026 1:55 PM in response to MicahTechDev

MicahTechDev wrote:

I’m aware that it’s user only, I’m just spreading the word as I’ve already left feedback about this and they don’t really seem to care.

Also, it doesn’t not require them any extra maintenance actually, they already maintain older iOS versions, they just keep the updates exclusive to older phone models.

I’ve researched the topic heavily, and trust me when I say allowing iOS downgrades is something they can easily do, but choose not to, due to some skewed philosophy.

Hello~ Researched heavily?? Then you should understand that it’s Apple’s playground thus Apple’s rules…trust me. Have a good day.

~Katana-San~

Aug 3, 2026 9:03 AM in response to MicahTechDev

MicahTechDev wrote:

People hate iOS 26 because it was buggy at first, and it’s ugly visually.

You're assuming that everyone shares your opinion. I happen to like Liquid Glass. So do lots of other people. They're just not writing social media posts about it.

I've been using iOS 26 since its official release and haven't had a single significant issue. I am quite technologically literate.

Aug 3, 2026 11:01 AM in response to MicahTechDev

MicahTechDev wrote:

I generally prefer iOS, duo to its better stability and software support. Telling people to just “go to android” is not a solution.

Neither is complaining here about the things you don't like about iOS. No one here can change it.

Product Feedback - Apple

Dumme_taube Author

Level 1

11 points

Apr 18, 2026 8:23 PM in response to Bob Timmons

i meant the signed ipsw files via ones you could’ve done the downgrade when they’re signed, but yeah, thanks for the answer still..

lkrupp

Level 7

26,255 points

Jul 31, 2026 3:06 PM in response to MicahTechDev

No one is twisting your arm to remain on Apple platforms. Switch to Android and see if you have a better experience from a company like Google who exists only to satisfy your every desire.

Aug 3, 2026 10:28 AM in response to lkrupp

I generally prefer iOS, duo to its better stability and software support. Telling people to just “go to android” is not a solution.

Katana-San

Level 10

99,179 points

Aug 3, 2026 1:50 PM in response to MicahTechDev

MicahTechDev wrote:

I generally prefer iOS, duo to its better stability and software support. Telling people to just “go to android” is not a solution.

Hello~ Your solution??

~Katana-San~

Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 using a backup?