Will I need to downgrade from iOS18.1 to iOS 18 for the iPhone 16?

[DMG35]

I’m assuming that I will have to downgrade from iOS 18.1 to iOS 17 then back to iOS 18 if I want to restore from backup on the iPhone 16? I could kick myself for updating to 18.1 as it’s overall worthless right now from an AI standpoint.

Is that my only option?

 

[iStorm]

You cannot downgrade without losing your current data. While you could go back to iOS 17 first, it requires wiping your phone...and you wouldn't be able to restore from a backup made with iOS 18.1.

You have two options:

1. Restore from an old backup you made when you were on iOS 17 (if you have one).
2. Upgrade the iPhone 16 to iOS 18.1 before you set it up / restore backup.

 

[DMG35]

You cannot downgrade without losing your current data. While you could go back to iOS 17 first, it requires wiping your phone...and you wouldn't be able to restore from a backup made with iOS 18.1.

You have two options:

1. Restore from an old backup you made when you were on iOS 17 (if you have one).
2. Upgrade the iPhone 16 to iOS 18.1 before you set it up / restore backup.

Oh yeah I didn’t think about upgrading the 16 to 18.1. That would be a much easier solution. Thank you!

 

[Paddle1]

Oh yeah I didn’t think about upgrading the 16 to 18.1. That would be a much easier solution. Thank you!

Yep. In fact during setup it should detect that your backup is from a beta and ask you if you want to install it on the new phone.

 

[gigapocket1]

The beta way is the way to go… you may have to set up as new, install the beta.. factory reset and then restore from backup

 

[iGeek2019]

Yep. In fact during setup it should detect that your backup is from a beta and ask you if you want to install it on the new phone.

It does, yes, and IIRC it also asks you if you wish to remain in the Beta program.

 

[MaxBurn]

Last week when I restored a new ipad from my phone backup on the 18 beta it asked if I wanted to do the beta on that device. Answer yes and it does that upgrade and starts over.