Apple Rolls Out iOS 18.7 as Security-Focused Alternative to iOS 26

Lead: Apple released iOS 18.7 today, September 15, 2025, offering iPhone users a security-and-stability update alongside the major iOS 26 launch, covering critical bug fixes without interface changes.

Nut Graf: Positioned as an option for users on older devices or those wary of iOS 26’s new Liquid Glass design, iOS 18.7 delivers over-the-air patches to address vulnerabilities and improve system reliability, ensuring continued support for the iOS 18 line.

Alternative to iOS 26

Choice for cautious users: iOS 18.7 appears atop Settings > General > Software Update as the default recommendation, while iOS 26 sits further down the list.
Smaller download size: At roughly one-fifteenth the size of iOS 26, it installs faster and consumes less bandwidth and storage.

Security and Bug Fixes

Official release notes: “Provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.”
Stability improvements: Built on a year of incremental iOS 18 refinements, it’s designed to be more stable than the brand-new iOS 26.

Compatibility

Supported devices: All iPhones from the iPhone XS/XR (2018) onward, including the full iPhone 16 series and SE models.
Device requirements: Requires iOS 11 or later, matching iOS 26’s broad device support except for the oldest models.

How to Update

Open Settings → General → Software Update.
Tap Download and Install under iOS 18.7.
The process completes in under ten minutes on modern hardware.

Looking Ahead

Apple typically overlaps support for two months when a major release lands. Users can remain on iOS 18.7 before migrating to iOS 26, but are encouraged to upgrade to the latest OS eventually for full feature access and ongoing security coverage.