How to Downgrade from iOS 26 to an Earlier Version: Guides & Tips

Part 1. Can I Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 or Earlier Versions?

Before going through the downgrade steps, it is common to wonder if it is actually possible. iOS 26 is the latest version of firmware in iDevices, following iOS 18. Given that, it is likely that you can move back to a firmware version of iOS 18 officially. However, a core requirement for this approach is that Apple must be signing the version you wish to downgrade to.

Once Apple stops allowing that version to be installed, downgrading becomes much harder or even impossible without advanced workarounds. So, if iOS 18 or any earlier version is no longer signed, the process won’t work using regular tools like iTunes or Finder. You will be required to either jailbreak or find dedicated software. Here are a few reasons why users want to master how to downgrade iOS 26:

• Battery Life Becomes Worse: Some users notice their phone’s battery drains faster after the update. Going back to iOS 18 often brings better and more consistent battery performance.
• Device Starts Lagging or Freezing: iOS 26 might be heavier or more demanding than iOS 18, which was running previously. It can cause older iDevices to slow down, making the older version a lot more attractive.
• Apps are Not Working Properly: Not all apps update right away for the latest released iOS versions. When your favorite apps keep crashing or acting strangely, iOS 18 might offer better compatibility.
• Features Look Too Different or Confusing: Big updates often bring a lot more pronounced changes in the design and controls. You can get the comfort of iOS 18's familiar layout back by downgrading if that's your preference.
• You Find iOS 26 Unstable or Buggy: Sometimes, new iOS versions have small glitches that affect how the phone works during different stages. A rollback to iOS 18 can fix that and give you a more reliable experience.

Part 2. Back Up Your iOS Device Before Downgrading & Avoid Data Loss

Before you start the downgrade process, there’s one crucial step that should not be skipped. This vital recommendation is to make sure you have created a comprehensive backup of your iOS device. Be aware that switching from iOS 26 to iOS 18 will result in a complete device erasure. That means making sure everything is stored somewhere secure is important. Despite that, opting for iCloud can be really expensive for most users.

The easiest and most recommended approach is to opt for Dr. Fone's Phone Backup feature. This tool is made for people who aren't tech experts but still want full control over their mobile data. With just a few clicks, you can back up everything inside your iPhone directly to your computer.

The best news? There is not even a need to link the phone by cable, as it works wirelessly, too. Furthermore, it even lets you create incremental backups on defined time slots wirelessly. The following is a detailed guide for creating a comprehensive backup when learning how to downgrade from iOS 26 beta:

Quick Guide to Backing Up Your iPhone Data Before Downgrading to iOS 26

Adhere to the following quick instructions to ensure all iPhone data is fully secured on your personal computer before downgrading:

Step 1. Opt for the Categories of the Data to Backup

With your phone linked, run Wondershare Dr.Fone and access the “My Backup” feature from the left sidebar. On the next screen, check the content categories you wish to backup and define the “Backup Path” before hitting “Backup Now.”

Step 2. Conclude the iPhone Backup Operation to View It on Your Computer

Following that, wait for the program to complete the process before checking the newly stored content via “View Backups.” Furthermore, you can access “Backup Preferences” from the “My Backup” screen to set up auto-incremental backups.

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Part 3. How to Downgrade iOS 26 with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) [Quick & Reliable Way]

With the all-important content safely stored on your system, it is time to find a way to securely go back to the previous firmware version. Doing this manually with iTunes or other tools can get confusing, especially if you lack advanced tech knowledge. Hence, there is a much smoother way available in the form of Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS).

It is the ideal choice for users who are downgrading their devices for the first time. Primarily, this tool is built to help users fix all kinds of iOS issues. As a matter of fact, it can fix over 200 system problems on iDevices without causing data loss. Along with that, Dr.Fone offers an advanced and user-centric approach to downgrade or upgrade the firmware of their phones.

What makes it stand out is how straightforward the experience is. There is no need to find and download the IPSW files on your own or worry about errors halfway through. Dr.Fone handles most of it for you, guiding you step by step through the iOS 26 downgrade process. Furthermore, it also allows users to upgrade their devices to the latest beta iOS versions for testing new features.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Downgrade iOS 26 with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) [Quick & Reliable Way]

• Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
• Fix various iOS system issues stuck in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start, etc.
• Upgrade and Downgrade iOS without iTunes at all.
• Work for all iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, running on all iOS versions.

Available on: Windows Mac

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Check How To Downgrade iOS 26 Beta to iOS 18.5 (Without Losing Data)

Tutorial on How to Downgrade iOS 26 with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

It’s a reliable choice for anyone who wants to perform this tough operation with maximum ease. Detailed below are the elaborate steps needed to securely learn how to downgrade iOS 26 in a matter of minutes:

Step 1. Make Your Approach to the System Repair Menu in the Program

Get Dr.Fone up and running on the local machine and opt for “System Repair” in the “Toolbox” section. After that, choose “iOS” for the platform type and hit the “iOS Upgrade/Downgrade” button in the repair menu.

Step 2. Select Downgrade iOS and Create a Phone Backup

On the following screen, click “Downgrade iOS” and link the targeted iOS device. Here, you will be reminded to create a phone “Back up” or press “Continue” if you have already created one.

Step 3. Choose the Desired System Version from the Listed Choices

As soon as the phone is detected by Dr.Fone, it will list the available iOS 18 firmware versions for your mobile. Moving forward, opt for the “Download” button to get the desired system file and wait for it to download and get verified.

Step 4. Downgrade to iOS 18 Using the Repair Now Button

When that is done, click the "Repair Now" option on the screen and wait for the software to downgrade your phone. Lastly, opt for the "Done" button after the operation is concluded successfully in achieving your goal.

Part 4. Manual Way to Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18.5: With iTunes/Finder

While it’s a bit more involved, a native way also exists to move your iDevice back to its previous firmware version. An option to downgrade iOS 26 to the last currently signed firmware file can be performed using iTunes or Finder. For now, it is the iOS 18.5 version, meaning you can safely revert to it.

However, doing so will result in data loss as a backup created in iOS 26 cannot be restored to a phone running iOS 18.5. With all such risks understood, opt for the following detailed guide to learn how to downgrade iOS 26 via iTunes/Finder:

Step 1. Run the latest version of iTunes/Finder on your PC/Mac and use a trusted site to get the correct iOS 18.5 IPSW file. When doing that, make sure the file you download shows a “Signed” status.

Step 2. Following that, move to your iPhone and proceed to turn off the “Find My” feature from the Apple ID settings. Then, link the targeted iDevice to the computer and quickly press and let go of the “Volume Up” key.

Step 3. Afterward, do the same action with the “Volume Down” key and firmly keep the “Side” button held until the screen shows Recovery Mode. As the phone gets detected by iTunes, hold the “Shift” key while pressing “Restore iPhone.”

Step 4. At this point, choose the iOS 18.5 IPSW file you downloaded and confirm it. Finally, wait for iTunes to downgrade your mobile before setting up from scratch.

Conclusion

In summary, downgrading from iOS 26 to iOS 18 might feel like a big step for many users. It is a core operation to bring back the smooth, reliable experience they’re used to. However, it’s important to follow the process carefully, as one wrong move can turn your phone into a brick. While iTunes/Finder offers a decent choice, its complexity means Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) is a better choice.

With Dr.Fone – Phone Backup, you can protect all your important data before downgrading. Together, these tools make the whole process stress-free. Moreover, it is perfect for anyone who wants the iOS 26 downgrade results without the confusion.

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