Updated Dec. 12 with more details of iOS 18.7.3 in the light of the release of iOS 26.2.
On Friday, Dec. 12, Apple released the latest software for the iPhone, iOS 26.2. Almost unprecedentedly, it was released on a Friday instead of the usual Moday or Tuesday — Apple was determined not to be late as many had predicted it would be, it seems. But for users who aren’t quite ready to more to the new software cycle, Apple is also preparing an alternative, iOS 18.7.3. Here’s what it means and why it is likely to be the last chance to avoid iOS 26 without compromising your iPhone.
Apple iPhone 17
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
When Apple launched iOS 26 in September, it also released an iOS 18 update so those who wanted to let the all-new software cycle settle in could still stay up to date with bug fixes and security.
ForbesiOS 26.2 Release Date: Apple May Launch Next iPhone Update Sooner Than ThoughtBy David Phelan
This trick was repeated when the next two updates, iOS 26.0.1 and iOS 26.1 appeared. But many had thought that the most recent iOS 18 version, iOS 18.7.2, would be the last that Apple would provide to those with iPhones capable of running the new cycle of software.
It then became apparent that Apple was working on another iOS 18 update, iOS 18.7.3. Of course, it was pointed out, this could be released only for iPhones that couldn’t support iOS 26. There are three phones that are compatible with iOS 18 but not iOS 26: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
However, beta testers have now reported that iOS 18.7.3 is running on iPhones that are compatible with the latest software, too.
Unless something major changes, this means that when the general release comes, it will offer another chance — probably the last chance if Apple follows the format of previous years — for iPhone users to hold off on iOS 26.
If you’re not a fan of the new Liquid Glass design, for instance, you may want to cleave to iOS 18 for that big longer, though it’s true that new features and better security await in the iOS 26. The next iOS 26 release, iOS 26.2, is imminent, most likely on Monday, Dec. 15.
So, when will iOS 18.7.3 be available? Probably on or around the same day, but note that the last iOS 18 update came 72 hours after the most recent iOS 26 update.
Now that iOS 26.2 is out, I can confirm that iOS 18.7.3 has not yet been released. But it’s definitely coming: if you choose public beta or developer beta updates, you will see iOS 18.7.3 is available for either set-up. That said, it’s likely only a matter of days away until the general release if you want to wait for that.
On my iPhone 16e, the public beta weighs in as a download of around 7GB, which is hefty, and noticeably bigger than iOS 26.2. Your mileage may vary, though this size update is coming from iOS 18.7.2, so it’s not likely to be much smaller.
More details as they emerge.