Apple is still signing iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, which means you can downgrade your iPhone and iPad from iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.

You Can Downgrade Your iPhone and iPad to iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 from iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2

The new iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 updates have been great for me, and a lot of users too. In one fell swoop, Apple has managed to fix so many issues on iPhone and iPad that I will highly recommend installing this update immediately.

If, for whatever reason, you want to go back to iOS 26.1 or iPadOS 26.1, then you will be pleased to learn that you can downgrade from iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 right now. This is only possible as long as Apple is signing the older firmware, and turns out, it is.

Since Apple is signing the older firmware, you can downgrade your iPhone and iPad right away. But first, you need to make sure that you have created a backup of all your data and disabled Find My.

Once done, download the iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 firmware files for your iPhone and iPad from the list below:

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

Step 2. Launch Finder.

Step 3. The moment your iPhone and iPad is detected, it will show up in the column on the left. Click on it to open.

Step 4. Depending on the device you have connected, you’ll either see a Restore iPhone or Restore iPad button. Hold down the left Option key on the keyboard and then click on the button.

Step 5. Now select the iOS 26.1 or iPadOS 26.1 firmware file you downloaded a while ago.

Your Mac will immediately start restoring the firmware onto your iPhone and iPad. It may take a while, but you will be back on iOS 26.1 or iPadOS 26.1 in a few minutes.

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Apple, iPad, iPhone, Tips & Tricks,

Last Update: December 15, 2025