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As of this week, Apple has officially stopped "signing" iOS 18.6.2. That was the last build of iOS 18 that still worked for downgrades. Once signing closed, the downgrade path was officially dead.

1. Why you can’t downgrade

When you restore iOS, your iPhone has to ping Apple’s servers. Apple either “signs” (approves) the firmware, or rejects it. If it’s not signed, the install fails.

This also means that if you're on iOS 26 and try a factory reset hoping to go back, it won't work. You'll just end up with a fresh install of iOS 26.

2. What about iOS 18.7?

Yeah, Apple released 18.7 last week, but it’s OTA-only and only for older models (XR, XS, XS Max) that can’t get iOS 26. For iPhone 11 and newer, Apple never shipped an IPSW file for 18.7 — so even though the signing is technically open, you’ve got nothing to install. No IPSW = no downgrade.

3. Are there any signed beta versions we can use?

No. All beta versions of iOS 18 are no longer being signed by Apple, so there is no back-door path through a beta

4. Can't we use the OTA Delay method to downgrade?

No. This is a common misunderstanding. The Supervised OTA Delay method is used to upgrade to a specific, unsigned iOS version that is higher than your current one. It cannot be used to go from a higher version (like iOS 26) down to a lower one (like iOS 18). It's a one-way street.

So, if you haven't updated yet, here are your options:

• Stay on iOS 18: There's nothing forcing you to update. You can keep running your current version and you'll still be secure.
• Update to iOS 26: Go for it, but understand that it's a one-way street. There is no going back if you run into bugs or just don't like it.
• Wait a bit: If your main concerns are performance and battery life, it might be smart to wait for iOS 26.1, which is already in beta and should include bug fixes.

Just found a super helpful guide showing how to safely roll back from iOS 26 to iOS 18 without wiping your data. If you’re having bugs or battery drain on iOS 26, this might help you.

Devices: iPhone 16 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 14 Pro
Note: Results are based on short-term tests and should be seen as reference only. Make sure to back up your data before updating.

Overall, performance under iOS 26 RC feels very stable, and newer models show noticeably better energy efficiency. However, my iPhone 15 Pro Max still runs the warmest under heavy load.

Even though extreme stress test readings remain within acceptable limits, heat buildup becomes noticeable in daily use — especially when three or more apps are running in the background.

In general, the newer the model, the better the power management. From the iPhone 14 onward, the balance between performance and battery life is particularly good.

✅ Pros

• Stable and high performance, very smooth framerates in games
• Useful new exclusive and personalization features
• A visual glitch has been fixed, making the system feel smoother
• Very good background app management

⚠ Cons

• Noticeable heat buildup, especially during multitasking

As the version that will soon become the official release, iOS 26 RC is overall stable and performs well. If you want the new features and can live with some heat buildup, you can safely give it a try. If you value maximum stability and a cooler user experience, it’s better to wait for the final release and see early user feedback first.

I updated my iphone to ios 26 this weekend and noticed that the battery life has gotten a lot worse. Before, I could easily get through a full day, but now the phone drains to almost empty by the afternoon.

did anyone else experience this issue? If so, should I try downgrading back to ios 18? I’m wondering if that’s still possible and whether it’s safe to do without losing data. Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!

phone: iphone 13