Apple’s Push Toward iOS 26
Apple is encouraging iPhone users to upgrade to iOS 26 by limiting access to new iOS 18 updates. Since early December, the company has been nudging iOS 18 devices toward iOS 26. Initially, iOS 18 updates were made less visible, and now devices capable of running iOS 26 no longer see any iOS 18 updates, even when those updates contain critical security patches.
Why iOS 18 Updates Disappear
If you own an iPhone 11 or later, the Settings → General → Software Update screen will stop showing iOS 18 releases. The rationale is that Apple wants users on the newest platform, where it can push both new features and security fixes.
Temporary Workaround: Enable the iOS 18 Public Beta
You can still receive iOS 18 updates by enrolling in the iOS 18 public beta. This re‑enables the update feed and delivers any new iOS 18 builds Apple releases for the short term. The solution works now, but Apple has warned it may disappear at any moment.
Security Updates Are Still Available in iOS 18
Apple’s recent security patches—iOS 26.2 and iOS 18.7.3—both fixed a actively‑exploited WebKit vulnerability. Since the fix exists in iOS 18.7.3, there is no technical necessity to force iOS 26.2 on devices that can run iOS 26. The beta workaround lets you stay on iOS 18 while still receiving these critical fixes.
A Pattern Repeating Over the Years
Apple has used this same tactic before. In 2021, during the transition from iOS 14 to iOS 15, users could stay on iOS 14 temporarily and still get security updates. By January 2022, Apple stopped offering iOS 14 patches for devices that could run iOS 15. The same cycle repeated for iOS 16 → iOS 17 and iOS 17 → iOS 18.
Apple’s Stated Intent
Apple says the ability to remain on an older iOS version is only a temporary measure. The company’s long‑term goal is to have every compatible device on the latest iOS for security, feature parity, and support reasons. The push to iOS 26 is especially noticeable this year because of the polarizing “Liquid Glass” design changes that some users dislike.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re determined to stay on iOS 18, enroll in the iOS 18 public beta via Apple’s Beta Software Program. Keep an eye on Apple’s communications—this pathway could be withdrawn at any time. Ultimately, the safest bet is to prepare for an eventual upgrade to iOS 26, but the beta route buys you a little breathing room.
