Table of Contents
Highlights
- iOS 26.2 update is now mandatory for iPhone 11–16 users, as iOS 18.7.3 security patch support has been completely discontinued
- iOS 26.2 update delivers critical protection against active iPhone spyware threats, while older devices like iPhone XS and XR retain iOS 18.7.3 support
- iOS 26.2 update introduces offline Apple Music lyrics and security fixes despite ongoing Liquid Glass UI issues
Imagine checking for updates on your shiny iPhone 16, expecting a quick security patch, only to find Apple shoving you toward iOS 26.2 instead. That’s precisely what happened last week when Apple dropped iOS 26.2 on December 12, 2025, alongside iOS 18.7.3 – but then abruptly yanked the latter from millions of devices.
If you’re on iPhone 11 through 16, still rocking iOS 18, you’re stuck: no more iOS 18 security fixes unless you upgrade. It’s a game-changer in Apple’s update strategy, prioritizing security and unity over choice.
Let’s see why this happened, who’s affected, and what you should do next.
iOS 18.7.3 Disappeared: What Apple Did to iPhone 11-16 Update Options
Apple released iOS 26.2 with cool tweaks like offline Apple Music lyrics, podcast chapters, and better Game Center filters. iOS 18.7.3, meant as a security lifeline for iOS 18 holdouts wary of iOS 26’s “Liquid Glass” redesign (that glassy UI some love, others find blurry for low-vision users).
Initially, it seemed to be available via beta channels on newer phones.
Reports from Forbes’ David Phelan and Six Colors’ Jason Snell confirmed that iPhones capable of iOS 26 (11 and up) showed only iOS 26.2 in Settings > General > Software Update.
Beta options are gone too – even public and developer betas no longer list iOS 18.7.3 for those devices. Apple stopped signing iOS 26.1 right after, blocking downgrades entirely.
Quick fact check from Apple’s security page:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR – Still receive iOS 18.7.3, as these models are ineligible for iOS 26
- iPhone 11–16 – Must upgrade to iOS 26.2 to receive any security patches
- Most iPads – Continue on iPadOS 18.7.3 for now, with more flexibility
Apple confirmed critical fixes (like WebKit vulnerabilities) are iOS 26-exclusive for modern hardware, amid real-world spyware threats targeting iPhones.
iPhone XS vs iPhone 11-16: Which Models Still Get iOS 18.7.3 Updates
Well, now everyone’s affected equally. Older relics get a pass:
| Device Model | Available Update | Reason |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | iOS 18.7.3 | Can’t run iOS 26; legacy support continues. |
| iPhone 11–16 (and likely 17) | iOS 26.2 only | Capable of a new OS; security is now tied to it. |
| iPads (most) | iPadOS 18.7.3 | Lower user base; more leniency for now. |
Apple’s math: Only ~10% of iPhones are ineligible for iOS 26, per TelemetryDeck data.
With 50%+ still on iOS 18, this pushes hundreds of millions to upgrade fast – especially urgent with mercenary spyware in the wild.
Why Apple Killed iOS 18.7.3 for iPhone 11+: Security Policy Explained
Apple’s not forcing updates outright, but it’s removing the safety net. Here’s the reason why:
- Deeper Security Overhauls: iOS 26 packs advanced sandboxing and permission tweaks that are impossible to backport fully to iOS 18 without a massive rework. Staying on 18 leaves exploits open.
- Less Fragmentation: Dual support slows patches and bloats testing. Consolidating on iOS 26 speeds fixes and cuts costs – think macOS style.
- Boost Adoption: Liquid Glass, AirDrop codes, enhanced Safety Alerts? iOS 26 shines. Users hesitant over battery/UI get nudged by security FOMO.
Risks of ignoring it? No patches means vulnerability to web exploits or apps.
Pro Tip: Before upgrading, back up via iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup). Test on a secondary device if possible – iOS 26.2’s ~7GB download is hefty.
iOS 26.2 New Features: Offline Lyrics + Fixes for Liquid Glass Complaints
Holdouts cite Liquid Glass blurriness, app glitches, or battery drain on older models. Fair, but iOS 26.2 fixes bugs like pre-release Apple Music playback and adds gems:
- Alarms in Reminders with Live Activities.
- Flash alerts for notifications.
- Multipack HomeKit pairing.
Pro tip: Customize Lock Screen opacity in Settings > Display & Brightness to tame Liquid Glass.
Should You Update Your iPhone to iOS 26.2 Now? Step-by-Step Security Guide
If security keys (banking, work apps), update ASAP: Settings > General > Software Update.
Delay only if legacy apps break – but not for the long term.
Apple’s message is that iOS 26.2 is the new security baseline. iPadOS might get one more 18 update, but for iPhones? This is it.
Conclusion
Apple has drawn a hard line – iOS 18.7.3 is gone for iPhone 11-16, leaving security gaps wide open amid real spyware threats. iOS 26.2 delivers critical fixes, offline Apple Music, and smarter features, even if Liquid Glass needs tweaking.
So, would you update now for safety or stay vulnerable?
