How can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.5?

[Edited by Moderator]

If you are asking about how to revert to iOS 18.5 from the iOS 26 beta, previous replies provide information on how to reset and restore a backup created prior to installing the beta.

Here is a direct link: How can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18… - Apple Community

From the image, if you have questions about what can happen and what is limited while low-power mode is enabled, please start your own new thread here using the Ask the Community link at the top center of this webpage.

Right now, you need to read the more than 17 answers that have already been posted in this thread. We don't need to post the same answer again.

But, before you think about reverting, hopefully you made an Archive Backup of your phone running iOS 18 on your Mac......before.....you installed the beta software.

You will need that Archive Backup to restore the phone using iOS 18 if you want to avoid losing all of the data on your phone and starting all over.

lefa128 wrote:

How can I downgrade my iPhone 15 pro max from iOS 26 beta back to iOS 18.5

If you have not been able to figure that out after reading the 7 pages in this discussion thread already, it's unlikely you're going to be able to do so.

Hi pavle216,

Good question!

as long as you backed your phone up to iTunes prior to the update to the beta you can format and restore that backup.

Instructions do state prior to installing beta to make sure you back up to iTunes.

If people give straight answers instead of posting the URL, that might be easier for the person asking the question.

Remember, not everyone reads the instructions before installing the beta; they want to try the new OS.

And Condescending remarks aren’t helpful ❤️

The post you replied to was from the 10th of June.

Not to mention the fact that the same thing you posted has been posted several dozen times in this thread alone.

There is absolutely no need to resurrect a dead topic with redundant information.

Lefa128

If you backed your phone up to iTunes prior to the update to the beta you can format and restore that backup.

( Instructions do state prior to installing beta to make sure you back up to iTunes.) ❤️

Denisgocea wrote:

I downloaded iOS 26 and I want iOS 18.5 but I don't have a laptop

Returning an iPhone to the production version of iOS from a beta requires use of a computer - either a Mac or Windows PC. There are no alternatives.

The process is described repeatedly, by multiple contributors, throughout this thread.

Apple told you to use a "spare" phone for the iOS 26 beta. It appears that you did not do this.

Did you make a special "Archive Backup" on your Mac.....before....you installed iOS 26?

If not, you are going to lose all of the data on your phone if you move back to iOS 18.

I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like unfinished software that is in beta testing if I was trying to use it on my main phone either. That’s why I prefer to wait until the finished product is available. Read this thread. You will find lots of information about what to do to get back to the old version.

Ahmedbaqinwan wrote:

18.5 version download

This has been repeatedly answered, by multiple contributors, throughout the seven pages of this discussion thread...

If you are currently enrolled in a beta programme and wish to return to using the current production version, this support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPhone:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

Be aware that restoring an earlier version of iOS will completely reset and erase your iPhone. Assuming that you have a pre-existing iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPhone that has not been updated since installing the iOS 26 beta, your locally stored data and files can be restored after returning your iPhone to iOS 18.5 (or iOS 18.6 - now current); if you don't have a pre-existing backup, all locally stored data will be irretrievably lost:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

An iCloud or iTunes backup can only be restored to a device running the same or later version of iOS than created (or last updated) the backup. As such a backup created or updated by iOS 26 cannot be restored to a device running iOS 18.x.

Kenny4634 wrote:

Please I need too update my IOS

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

As of 29 July 2025, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi+Cellular)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1*, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3* - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8.4

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.11

iPad6, iPad Pro (10.5"/12.9" 2nd generation) - iPadOS 17.7.9

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 18.6

• iPad Pro 13" (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2/M3)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later + A17 Pro)

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

olayinka75 wrote:

Yes

If you’re looking to revert from iOS 26 to iOS 18, there are numerous replies in the ten pages of the thread here.

Here is: How to uninstall iOS or iPadOS beta software - Apple Support

You will lose some data by reverting with a backup.

You will lose somewhat more data with a reset, if there is no backup.

If you can’t lose any data, continue with the iOS 26 beta.

lx224 wrote:

18 update

NOPE, not an iPhone 6s either. iPhone 6s can be updated to iOS 15.8.4 and NO HIGHER. No point in asking about updating your iPhone any higher as it's simply NOT possible. Buy a new iPhone if you need a higher level iOS version.