How do I downgrade my iPhone from iOS 26 to iOS 18.5?

Unfortunately, you can’t downgrade an iPhone to iOS 18.5 once it’s been updated to iOS 26.

Apple only allows installing versions of iOS that are still being signed — and older versions like iOS 18.5 are no longer signed by Apple’s servers. That means even if you have an IPSW file, the installation will fail because the signature check won’t pass.

If iOS 26 feels unsatisfactory, the best thing you can do is:

1. Submit feedback to Apple here: https://apple.com/feedback/ – this helps improve future releases.
2. Check for upcoming updates under Settings › General › Software Update – Apple often fixes issues quickly with minor updates.
3. Restore your iPhone via Finder or iTunes if you think something went wrong during the update. This can sometimes improve performance.

Once Apple stops signing iOS 26 and releases a new version (like iOS 26.1), you can only move forward, not back.

If you just want your phone to feel faster or more stable again, a clean restore from backup usually helps a lot!

Downgrading to a formerly signed version is not supported and also not supported on Samsung/Android phones. Those that have tried have many times bricked their phones where they are left purchasing a new one. You will find many sites/software claiming that is possible, but of course they are not sending you a new device when yours gets bricked. You can find more information here if you are looking for an alternative.

https://smart.dhgate.com/samsung-update-ruined-my-phone-can-i-downgrade-like-iphone-users-do/

On a side note I remember when iOS 17 was released and saw the same posts here about users who did not like it and wanted to downgrade. The same was true for iOS 18. Not unusual to see those posts no matter what platform you are using.

Well, Apple has never provided an option to downgrade the iOS version in 18+ years, so I doubt that you will see any change in that respect.

But.....you can let Apple know here......Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Think about it......if a downgrade were possible......Apple engineers would need to be able to look into the future for years to be able to do what you ask. I don't think anyone has a crystal ball that is that good.

savas32 wrote:

Translation: "I want iOS 18"

If you have already updated to iOS 26, there is no way to get iOS 18 back. Apple does not support downgrading.

67masonicecreamshorts wrote:

i am really unsure on the ios26 it has completely and utterly drained my battery 3x worse than it was before

In the first 48 hours or so after a major update, your phone is doing a lot of background indexing and housekeeping. The battery will drain more quickly and it will get warmer. This is normal. It should settle down soon.

i hate the design of it and i hate that my keyboard has changed

You should let Apple know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

i want it to go back to the ios18 but my iphone is not fully set up properly is there any other way to fix this problem because i need another way to fix it asap please and thankyou. yours sincerely

It is not possible to go back to iOS 18. I don't know what you mean when you say, "my iPhone is not fully set up properly."

dasia132 wrote:

Because they keep on messing up my phone so I want the iOS 18

Not possible and there never has been a supported method to downgrade any iOS version. Ironically when iOS 18 came out, some users did not like that either, but now that is the version you want to go back to. As with any change, you will get used to it and when the next one comes out, this is the one you are going to want. In the future you can prevent updates if you wish. It has already been installed on millions of devices and most have embraced the new features, including call screening that requires unknown callers to state the purpose of the call before it even rings on your phone.

Alajaiha wrote:

it makes my phone black out and lag and it won’t let me open apple music

First, try a Force Restart:

• Press and quickly release Volume up
• Press and quickly release Volume down
• Press and HOLD the side button until the Apple logo appears. Ignore anything on the screen during that time and it could take up to 15 seconds while holding the side button before you see the Apple logo. If you do not see it then try again, as it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct.

If that does not solve then problem, then you will need to schedule an appointment at the Apple Store. It should be easy to reproduce a problem that makes your screen black out or not being able to open Apple Music.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

bontle148 wrote:

please take my phone to iOS 18

I assume you have realized after reading the posts here that it is not going to happen. There has never been a downgrade option for any of the OS versions released. That does not apply specifically to Apple either, as it also has not been supported on Android phones. Those that tried have ended up with a bricked phone where the solution is to buy a new phone.

You don't, downgrading is not supported.

That is not going to happen. As stated in the 8 pages of answers, downgrading is not supported.

You can't now that beta tesing is over.

You are correct.

It does not work because you cannot downgrade the iOS once it has been released.

No, downgrading is not supported.

Stuberalis wrote:

…

and basically i cant downgrade cause i lose all my data. Wow.

No you can’t downgrade, period.

Ahmedshazli wrote:

How do I downgrade my iPhone from iOS 26 to iOS 18.5?

You don't. As the previous seven pages of this thread would have told you.