Apple has officially ended signing for iOS 18.6.2, cutting off all downgrade paths for users who upgrade to iOS 26. This move leaves iPhone users locked into the latest version with no restore option to earlier builds.
iOS 18.6.2 is no longer available for installation
Once Apple stops signing a firmware, it becomes impossible to install, even with IPSW files. That’s now the case with iOS 18.6.2, which had remained the last fallback for users hesitant about iOS 26. The change affects iPhone 11 through iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE, all of which are now locked into iOS 26.0 if updated.
OTA-only iOS 18.7 offers no downgrade relief
While Apple did release iOS 18.7, it’s only available as an over-the-air update for devices already running iOS 26. Apple didn’t publish any IPSW files, which means manual restores or downgrades using iOS 18.7 aren’t possible.
Why Apple stopped signing iOS 18.6.2
Apple digitally signs firmware to verify it’s approved and untampered. Once a version like iOS 18.6.2 is no longer signed, it can’t be installed under any circumstances. The company frames this as a security measure, but it also limits control for users who prefer older versions for stability, battery life, or app compatibility.
What changes with it signing removed:
- No rollback once you install iOS 26
- IPSW restores for iOS 18.6.2 are blocked
- iOS 18.7 is OTA-only, no downgrade path
- iPhones running iOS 18.6.2 can remain on it, if not updated
iPadOS and tvOS lose 18.6 signing as well
Apple’s signing cutoff isn’t limited to iPhones. iPadOS 18.6.2 and tvOS 18.6 are now unsigned, removing downgrade options for iPads and Apple TV devices, too. If you’re still running an older version, you can stay there, but one update forward, and there’s no way back.
With iOS 18.6.2 now off the table, users must decide whether to stick with what works or step into iOS 26, knowing there’s no undo button.
{{user}} {{datetime}}
{{text}}