Can I downgrade my iPhone from iOS 18 to the previous version?

Yeah this new IOS update is… no bueno. The photo app is now incredibly frustrating, my emojis are WAYYY too big (and I keep accidentally going to the Memoji section when I’m looking for just a NORMAL emoji), the password app feels excessive and unnecessary, and my control center is completely disorienting. I simply don’t understand why there are four different sections to swipe through when it used to all be on one section that was incredibly easy to navigate. I tried to downgrade my phone but every single resource I looked at stated that external software must be downloaded to remove an update. I just want my old phone back. This update highly discourages me from using my phone more than what is truly necessary. Please fix this Apple! I would love to have IOS 17 back, it was a perfect version.

For me it’s not about the “change”, I love my 11xr , I updated to make it easier to send a text message later. I probably don’t know know how to use many things but it was great for my needs. I updated, was maybe running ios 14, not sure, and now it constantly freezes, I got rid of any junk I could find which seemed a little better but again it freezes up constantly. Took me half an hour just to type this out.

Is there anything I can do?

lelong90 wrote:

Did anyone find out if there was a way to go back to iOS 17? The 18 does not allow my text messages to show up in Apple CarPlay while listening to the radio. I hate it. It’s much more unsafe and very inconvenient. I hate the new photos layout but I can deal with that. I can not deal with not getting my text messages while driving.

It's been answered over and over. You cannot downgrade iOS.

To your issue with messages, you need to make sure you have settings set up correctly for messages to be delivered while using CarPlay.

Open the Settings App on your iPhone. Tpa Bluetooth. Tap the little circle with an i in it next to your car. Make sure CarPlay is turned on and turn on the switch for Show Message Notifications.

Next:

Use CarPlay to have Siri automatically read your incoming text messages and listen for your response.

• On your iPhone, go to Settings  > Siri > Announce Notifications, then turn on Announce Notifications.

Note: You can also enable or disable Announce Messages directly in CarPlay by tapping Announce when Siri reads an incoming text message. See Have Siri announce notifications.

lelong90 wrote:

I have checked, rechecked and checked my settings again. It’s not an issue with my settings. It’s something Apple did with the iOS 18 update. I’ve called Apple and have submitted a written complaint with Apple. And having my notifications announced is all good and fine but you can not reply when someone texts you a question. It’s a temporary fix, not a permanent one.

If iOS caused this to happen to you, why didn't iOS 18 cause it to happen to everyone? I have no issues receiving or responding to messages in my car with CarPlay. Messages are announced. I'm asked if I want to reply. There is nothing that iOS 18 did to change this behavior in my car.

This "update" 18.3.1 is a definite downgrade. Have a job site cellular wifi camera set up 6 months ago with Verizon and it was working like a charm with my iPhone 12 Pro and iPad 12.9 Pro 5th Gen. The phone updated 2 nights ago and I cannot logon to the job site with the iPhone unless I power off, wait a minute and then restart and even then it takes 2-3 times doing this before it logs on. The iPad Pro hasn't updated yet and it logs on almost instantly with 18.1.1 IOS. I also hate the new photos App interface. Its very confusing to use.

Kana22_4 wrote:

Yes they told me in Apple support i mean im gonna bring him back on factory settings what else Because nothing works like it was bef i installed this 18.3.1.

[Edited by Moderator]

They told you what in Apple Support? You can certainly erase your phone back to factory settings, but it WON'T remove iOS 18.3.1, if you were under the impression it would.

Kana22_4 wrote:

few ppl told me here its probably that i changed battery ,capacity of IPhone,and older model but again its been working normally till i install latest version then everything messed up in it..

Changing the battery is not a problem, but having it done by a provider that is not listed as an Authorized Service Provider would be the problem if that was the case. Those may work normally until any demand is put on it, such as the flashlight or even the increased energy needed for the indexing on your files after an update. You cannot blame the update on a problem with a non-genuine battery if that is the cause.

The only thing that Apple could possibly recommend at that point is a Factory Reset or get another phone and do not make that mistake again.

This is a user to user forum, Apple is not here. Asking Apple to fix something in this post won't accomplish anything.

You can make a suggestion to Apple here -

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Kana22_4 wrote:

Yes I know the Apple support agent told me I’m so mad some functions not working in my phone like they used this sucks because everything’s is actually working..I love iOS love apple products but this never been like this they changed is the colors and I’m not happy w of thy

Perform a Force Restart. It may take a couple of attempts to get the key sequence correct and the last step of holding the side button until the Apple Logo appears could take up to 15 seconds. Ignore anything else on the screen during that time.

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

That will resolve the flashlight problem. Unpairing your AirPods by choosing Forget this Device and pairing again should resolve the animation, although from your post it does appear you see the animation now after resetting.

If you want to follow up on the diagnostic test failing, then take it to the Apple Store.

Kana22_4 wrote: "...i don’t get it why it worked till previous version normally..(...) and yes i changed battery..."

Alex ~ Apple explains: "Using nongenuine batteries might also result in unexpected behavior after installation, device software updates, or while charging..." Source:

About genuine iPhone batteries

So... Was the battery replaced at an Apple Store or by other qualified technician using a genuine iPhone battery?...

Repair Provider Verification - Official Apple Support

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There are a lot of ppl asking this question. The only answer I have seen is reset to factory default and start over. Which is a horrible answer

I upgraded my iPhone with the last update and I don't like it. How do I remove it and go back?

The new control centre layout can be easily changed to your preference and you can put all your favourite controls on the front section.

Mac Jim ID wrote:

What is it when you do the same thing over and over and expect different results?

I'm not sure who is insane in this case...me? Apple? The people who hate change? All of us? ;-)

Worst update ever!!! Waste hours trying to figure it out. Family of 5 and we all hate it,