Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 17 or older?

No. Apple only signs iOS 18.6 currently, older versions are blocked.

Will I lose my data when downgrading?

Yes, unless you use ReiBoot which supports downgrade without data loss.

How long does downgrade take?

Usually 10–30 minutes depending on method and internet speed.

Yes, if you use official IPSW files or trusted tools. Beware of unofficial firmware.

Will I still get updates after downgrade?

Yes, you’ll get regular iOS 18.x updates until iOS 19 is released.

How to Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 on iPhone (Ultimate Guide)

4 Steps To Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 on iPhone (Ultimate Guide)

Apple’s iOS 26 update introduces new features and security improvements, but many iPhone users have experienced bugs, crashes, and poor battery life after upgrading. If your iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or iPhone 15 is unstable on iOS 26, you might want to roll back to a stable version like iOS 18.6.

This ultimate guide will walk you through every safe way to downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18, including:

Using iTunes/Finder with IPSW files
Using Tenorshare ReiBoot (no data loss)
Using Recovery or DFU Mode
Removing a Beta profile without a computer

We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips, FAQs, pros & cons, and include step-by-step images to make the process easy.

Can You Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18?

Yes — but only under certain conditions. Apple only allows downgrades to versions it is still “signing.” As of now, iOS 18.6 is the last signed version, which means you can safely downgrade to it from iOS 26. Older versions like iOS 17 or iOS 16 are no longer signed and can’t be restored through official methods.

Why downgrade?

Fix battery drain and performance lag
Restore app compatibility
Eliminate bugs or crashes introduced in iOS 26
Improve stability on iPhone 13, 14, and 15

4 Free Methods To Downgrade From iOS 26 To 18 [2025 Review]

[Image: Screenshot of ipsw.me showing available signed iOS versions for iPhone downgrade, highlighting iOS 18.6 as the last downgrade option from iOS 26.]

Method 1: Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 Using iTunes/Finder (IPSW Restore)

The most direct method is to use Apple’s official iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) with an IPSW firmware file.

Steps:

1) Back up your iPhone

Open iTunes or Finder.
Click your device and choose Back Up Now to save your data.

2) Download the iOS 18.6 IPSW file

Go to ipsw.me
Select your device model and download the signed iOS 18.6 IPSW file.

How to Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 on iPhone (Ultimate Guide)

[Image: Screenshot of ipsw.me download page showing iPhone model selection and signed iOS 18.6 IPSW firmware file download.]

3) Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode

iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Power until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

[Image: Photo of iPhone showing Recovery Mode screen with “Connect to iTunes” icon displayed during iOS downgrade process.]

4) Connect iPhone to Computer

Launch iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS).

5) Restore using IPSW

In iTunes/Finder, hold Shift (Windows) or Option (Mac) and click Restore iPhone.
Select the downloaded iOS 18.6 IPSW file.

Screenshot of iTunes restore screen where user selects iOS 18.6 IPSW file to downgrade from iOS 26

[Image: Screenshot of iTunes restore screen where user selects iOS 18.6 IPSW file to downgrade from iOS 26.]

6) Wait for installation

Your iPhone will restart and install iOS 18.6.

Pros: Free, official method
Cons: Erases all data unless you restore from backup

Method 2: Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 Without Data Loss (Tenorshare ReiBoot)

If you don’t want to lose your data, the safest method is using ReiBoot, a professional iOS downgrade/repair tool.

Steps:

1) Download & install Tenorshare ReiBoot (Windows or Mac).
2) Launch ReiBoot and connect your iPhone via USB.
3) Select Downgrade iOS from the home screen.

[Image: Screenshot of Tenorshare ReiBoot interface with the “Downgrade iOS” option selected for iPhone running iOS 26.]

4) Choose “Deep Downgrade” to go from iOS 26 → iOS 18.6.

5) Download iOS firmware (ReiBoot will fetch the correct signed IPSW automatically).

[Image: Screenshot of ReiBoot downloading iOS 18.6 firmware package for downgrade from iOS 26 on iPhone 13.]

6) Click Start Downgrade and wait for the process to finish.

[Image: Screenshot of ReiBoot downgrade progress screen showing downgrade in process from iOS 26 to iOS 18.6.]

✅ Your iPhone will restart on iOS 18.6 without wiping your data.

Pros: No data loss, beginner-friendly

Cons: Paid tool after trial

Method 3: Downgrade Using Recovery/DFU Mode

If your iPhone is stuck or unresponsive, DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode can force a downgrade.

Steps:

1) Connect your iPhone to computer and open iTunes/Finder.

2) Enter DFU Mode:

Quickly press Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Power until screen goes black.
Keep holding Power + Volume Down for 5 seconds, then release Power but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes detects your iPhone.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the “Volume Down” and “Power” buttons until the recovery screen appears.

iPhone 6s/5s/3s : Press and hold the “Home” and “Power” buttons until the recovery screen appears.

[Image: Photo of iPhone showing black DFU mode screen while connected to computer for forced downgrade.]

3) Select Restore iPhone and choose iOS 18.6 IPSW.

[Image: Screenshot of iTunes pop-up showing option to restore iPhone in DFU mode with iOS 18.6 firmware.]

Pros: Works even if device is stuck

Cons: Erases all data

Method 4: Remove iOS 26 Beta Profile (Without Computer)

If you installed iOS 26 through the beta program, you can remove it by deleting the profile.

Steps:

1) Open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

2) Tap iOS 26 Beta Software Profile.

3) Select Remove Profile.

4) Restart your iPhone and wait for the next official iOS 18.6 update to appear.

[Image: Screenshot of iPhone Settings showing iOS 26 Beta Profile with option to remove profile and downgrade to iOS 18.]

Pros: Easiest method

Cons: Only works for beta users, downgrade may not be immediate

Comparison Table: Downgrade Methods

Method	Data Loss	Difficulty	Tools Needed	Best For
iTunes/Finder IPSW	Yes	Medium	Computer + IPSW	Free official downgrade
Tenorshare ReiBoot	No	Easy	Computer + ReiBoot	Beginners, no data loss
Recovery/DFU Mode	Yes	Hard	Computer + iTunes	Stuck/unresponsive devices
Remove Beta Profile	No	Easy	None	Beta users only

[Image: Infographic comparing downgrade methods from iOS 26 to iOS 18 with success rates, pros, and cons.]

Troubleshooting Common Issues

iPhone stuck on Apple logo → Force restart and retry with DFU mode.
Error 3194 in iTunes → Apple stopped signing the iOS version, download the latest signed IPSW.
Firmware not compatible → Make sure you selected the correct iPhone model on ipsw.me.
Data loss → Use ReiBoot or restore from iCloud/iTunes backup.

[Image: Screenshot of iPhone stuck on Apple logo screen after failed downgrade attempt, showing common downgrade issue.]

Conclusion: Best Way to Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18

Downgrading iOS 26 to iOS 18.6 is possible and safe if you follow the right method. If you don’t mind erasing data, iTunes/Finder IPSW restore works well. But for most users, the best and safest method is Tenorshare ReiBoot, which downgrades without data loss and works even if your iPhone is stuck.