Apple Pushes iPhone Users Still on iOS 18 to Upgrade to iOS 26

[MacRumors]

Apple is encouraging iPhone users who are still running iOS 18 to upgrade to iOS 26 by making the iOS 26 software upgrade option more prominent.

Since iOS 26 launched in September, it has been displayed as an optional upgrade at the bottom of the Software Update interface in the Settings app. iOS 18 has been the default operating system option, and users running iOS 18 have seen iOS 18 updates front and center.

Starting today, that's changing. iOS 18 users who have not upgraded to iOS 26 will now see iOS 26.1 as the recommended iOS update in the Settings app. iOS 18 updates are still an option, but are now displayed at the bottom of the app.

Apple isn't forcing users to upgrade to iOS 26, but it is pushing the update more heavily than it was before in an effort to increase installation numbers. Some users may be hesitant to upgrade to iOS 26 because of the Liquid Glass design overhaul that makes major changes to the iPhone interface.

Allowing users to stay on the prior-generation version of iOS is an option that Apple has provided since iOS 15, but it doesn't last forever. Right now, Apple is providing iOS 18 security updates to those who choose to stay on that operating system, but that may stop in the coming months.

After pushing people to upgrade to iOS 26 by making the option more prominent, Apple will likely remove the option to stay on iOS 18, providing iOS 26 as the only upgrade available on devices that support the newer software. Eventually, customers who want to stay up to date on security fixes will need to transition to iOS 26, though Apple will continue to provide iOS 18 updates for devices that do not support iOS 26.

Apple hasn't released iOS 26 adoption numbers, so it is unclear how many people have decided to upgrade. Apple typically updates its iOS numbers several months after a new version of iOS launches, so we could get details in January or February.

Upgrading to iOS 26 from iOS 18 is irreversible, and Apple does not provide a way to downgrade back to the prior version of iOS.

(Thanks, Nicolás!)

Article Link: Apple Pushes iPhone Users Still on iOS 18 to Upgrade to iOS 26

 

[MacUserFella]

It’s weird that these major updates are usually never prominent, it’s also the security patch overshadowing it

 

[sziehr]

yeah no apple, fix your software and then I will upgrade. They created this mess of non-compliant upgrade due to have such a horrible roll out.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I have no choice on my work phone, so it's on 26.

On my personal phone? No... Let me disable the borders around icons and widgets, and I'll consider it.

 

[Mr_Ed]

Yeah . . . No, thank you.

When I update, others in my family will update as well (they wait for me to do it) and I'll be stuck answering the inevitable "Where did X go?" or "How can I make it look different?" questions.

 

[AusMness]

Good. I know I’ll get flamed for saying this but I don’t care - should’ve been like this from the start

 

[Neepman]

Please let us gimp your phone. And soon we will no long be saying please.

 

[jz0309]

Haven't they done that every year?
I got a 17PM so knew 26 wasn't an option, but had the RC running on my 13PM for like a week or 2 and had no issues, also no issues on iPad, Mac and watch...
So I'm happy with all the 26 updates

 

[JosephAW]

I have several friends that Apple tricked into applying iOS 26, they chose the default update option and there’s no way they can go back when they called me.
Even macOS tries to trick you with the Safari update it also includes back OS 26 unless you uncheck it.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Haven't they done that every year?
I got a 17PM so knew 26 wasn't an option, but had the RC running on my 13PM for like a week or 2 and had no issues, also no issues on iPad, Mac and watch...
So I'm happy with all the 26 updates

Yes. Usually after the x.1 release, they start pushing it to everyone.

 

[AdamNC]

I find it amazing what some people find annoying or deal breaking with 26. I messed with it enough that it is clean and nothing major or minor makes me think it’s trash or Apples worst update.

 

[4 bit 9d api]

I'm staying on iOS 13 because I hate change.

 

[matt_and_187_like_this]

i tried updating my dad's iPad but it only has 32gb an is basically non-updateable. Plugged it in to a Mac and it doesn't offer iOS 26. Just says it is up to date with 18.

 

[SidricTheViking]

I upgraded my iPad (had the beta software for a while) but still haven’t upgraded my iPhone. I plan to wait for 26.2 (at least), as I’m to there are some extra options to ‘tone down’ the Liquid Glass effects.

 

[Col795]

Bunch of fascists :-/

 

[nicolas17]

i tried updating my dad's iPad but it only has 32gb an is basically non-updateable. Plugged it in to a Mac and it doesn't offer iOS 26. Just says it is up to date with 18.

What iPad model is it?

 

[julesme]

Pushing the latest iOS more prominently happens every year. The difference (for me) is that we’re in December and I haven’t yet updated my iPhone or iPad.

This year, based on what I’ve read, I just don’t see a clear benefit from upgrading.

 

[matt_and_187_like_this]

What iPad model is it?

couple years old, with touch id. it does offer ios 26 if that's what you're implying. but it requires 20gb of free space which is impossible...

 

[Black_Mage]

I’ll upgrade when I see people here posting about how good it is.

 

[gomichaelgo]

i have so many friends with automatic updates on but they are on older software. i dont understand why

 

[BigMcGuire]

I’ll upgrade when I see people here posting about how good it is.

It's really really good.

OK you're cleared to update.

 

[sziehr]

It's really really good.

OK you're cleared to update.

he lies it is total trash, keyboard is horrible and it stutters all over

 

[btbeme]

iOS is not only an eyesore, difficult to navigate, a horrible waste of screen space, but it is buggy. Really buggy. If I had the option on my new iPhone 17 Pro, I'd happily go to iOS 18. These new OS iterations are simply terrible, across the board. Exchanging functionality for buggy eye-candy is NOT progress. If I wanted my phone (or computer) to look and work like crap I would have bought something other than Apple and added some cheap $1.99 skin to the operating system.

 

[jz0309]

he lies it is total trash, keyboard is horrible and it stutters all over

Not here, all good for me

 

[jz0309]

I’ll upgrade when I see people here posting about how good it is.

Not gonna happen on MR ...