Apple has released iOS 26.0.1 and iPadOS 26.0.1, and here’s how you can downgrade back to iOS 26 on your iPhone and iPad.

Apple is Still Signing iOS 26.0 and iPadOS 26.0, You Can Downgrade Your iPhone and iPad from iOS 26.0.1 and iPadOS 26.0.1

iOS 26.0.1 and iPadOS 26.0.1 might seem like small bug fix updates, but they’re clearly not. In such a small package, Apple was able to fix so many important issues with the latest iPhone lineup and even older devices.

Apple will keep on releasing these updates to ensure everything runs butter smooth on your device, so stay tuned for more.

However, not everyone will find iOS 26.0.1 or iPadOS 26.0.1 to their liking and may prefer to downgrade back to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 on their iPhone and iPad.

Unlike beta software, downgrading from one publicly available firmware to the other is very straightforward. I’ll walk you through each step, including the precautions you need to take.

Backup Everything Right Away

There’s no going around this step at all. If you’ve decided to downgrade, you will lose your files and settings, therefore take a backup of everything using either Finder or iCloud right now.

You’ll find all the details on it posted here. Once the backup is made, you’re ready for the next step.

Disable Find My

You can’t restore firmware files using Finder on your iPhone and iPad if Find My is enabled. Follow the steps posted here on how to disable Find My.

Download the iOS 26.0 and iPadOS 26.0 Firmware Files

Download the correct iOS 26.0 and iPadOS 26.0 firmware file for your device and save it to your desktop.

You’ll find all the necessary files attached below:

Downgrade

Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB-C cable.

Step 2. Launch Finder from the Dock.

Step 3. You’ll see your device on the left hand side of Finder. Click on it to reveal more options. If you don’t see it, remove the USB-C cable and plug it back in.

Step 4. You’ll either see a Restore iPhone or Restore iPad button. Hold down the left Option key on your Mac’s keyboard and click on Restore iPhone or Restore iPad. A pop-up window will appear.

Step 5. Select the iOS 26.0 or iPadOS 26.0 firmware file you saved to your desktop.

Step 6. Finder will start to restore your iPhone and iPad, you’ll see an Apple logo with a progress bar on your device during the entire process. Once everything is complete, you’ll see the Hello screen.

That’s about it. You’re back to iOS 26.0 or iPadOS 26.0.

Categorized in:

Apple, iPad, iPhone, Tips & Tricks,

Last Update: October 1, 2025