Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.6.2, No Downgrade to iOS 26

Key Takeaways

1. Apple has stopped signing iOS 18.6.2, preventing downgrades from iOS 26.
2. iOS 26 was released on September 15 for iPhone models 11 to 17, including iPhone SE.
3. The only available signed version for compatible iPhones is iOS 26.0.
4. Users cannot revert to iOS 18 versions after upgrading to iOS 26.
5. Apple has also ceased signing iPadOS 18.6.2 and tvOS 18.6.

Apple has ceased signing iOS 18.6.2, meaning that anyone who has upgraded to iOS 26 can’t go back.

Release Details

iOS 26 was officially launched on September 15 for iPhone models from 11 to 17, including the iPhone SE. With Apple halting the signing of the prior update, iOS 18.6.2, users are unable to downgrade to it or revert from iOS 26.

Currently, the only signed version of iOS available for compatible iPhones is iOS 26.0. Although Apple did roll out an update labeled iOS 18.7, this was exclusively an OTA update for devices that can run iOS 26, meaning that no IPSW files are available. As a result, users have no way to go back to any iOS 18 version after upgrading to 26.

Signing Firmware Updates

Apple signs firmware updates to verify that they are authentic, unaltered, and authorized for installation on specific devices. Once an iOS or iPadOS update is no longer signed, it cannot be installed. This restriction can limit users from downgrading to older, possibly less secure versions.

As it stands, iPhone users who are on older iOS 18 versions can only move up to iOS 26, without any option to downgrade afterward. Luckily, users can keep using iOS 18.6.2 as long as they wish, though they might miss crucial security updates or face compatibility issues with certain apps.

Other Updates

In addition to iOS 18.6.2, Apple has also stopped signing iPadOS 18.6.2 and tvOS 18.6.

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