You can now download and install the iOS 18.7 and iPadOS 18.7 software update for iPhone and iPad, if you’re not updating to version 26.
Not Planning to Update to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 Any Time Soon? Download iOS 18.7 and iPadOS 18.7 Instead
Alongside the new iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates, Apple has also released iOS 18.7 and iPadOS 18.7. Both are optional updates, and they give users more time on the iOS 18.x and iPadOS 18.x software before they decide to update to the latest one.
Apple will keep on sending out security updates for iOS 18.7 and iPadOS 18.7 users for months to come, but you will not receive new features. For that, you have to update to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.
In order to download the new iOS 18.7 and iPadOS 18.7 updates, just follow these steps:
Step 1. Launch the Settings app.
Step 2. Go to General > Software Update.
Step 3. On this page you’ll see iOS 18.7 and iPadOS 18.7 pop right up. Just tap on Update Now underneath to begin download and installation.
In some cases, it’s actually a great idea to stick around with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. For example, the first release of version 26 software is not going to be the most polished one. From performance to battery-related issues, you’ll find it all here.
With time, Apple will keep refining the software, and you can decide to jump onboard whenever things seem stable enough for you on iPhone and iPad.
As I type this, I’m currently using iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 as well, and there are a ton of issues that need fixing. Therefore, I will recommend that you stay on the older firmware for a few more days or weeks. Apple is definitely going to release an update with a ton of bug fixes soon.
Just go through social media and see how the new iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 update is working out for users. If many users have bad things to report, that should give you an idea if you should make an update decision or not.
