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Apple's latest iOS updates have created a situation that is causing confusion for many iPhone users. Ideally, security updates should be able to be installed independently of a major version upgrade. However, in practice, it appears that Apple is not consistently implementing this principle with iOS 18 and iOS 26.
Apple regularly emphasizes the importance of security updates for iPhone and iPad. At the same time, it frequently communicates that major iOS versions remain optional and users can decide for themselves when to upgrade. The current handling of iOS 18.7.3 raises doubts as to whether this freedom of choice still exists.
iOS 26.2 and iOS 18.7.3: What Apple has released
Apple released iOS 26.2 last week. The update includes several important security fixes. Of particular relevance are two WebKit vulnerabilities that, according to Apple, may have been specifically exploited in attacks targeting individuals with iOS versions below iOS 26.
iOS 18.7.3 was released concurrently. This update fixes the same two WebKit bugs and also closes additional security vulnerabilities. iOS 18.7.3 is intended for users who have not yet updated to iOS 26.
The problem with iPhones supporting iOS 26
As Jason Snell of Six Colors reports, iOS 18.7.3 is not being offered to many users. This affects iPhones that are technically capable of running iOS 26 without any problems, such as the iPhone 11 or newer models.
In these cases, only iOS 26.2 appears as an available update in the settings. The security update for iOS 18 does not appear. This creates a clear limitation: Anyone wanting to close security gaps must switch to iOS 26.
Apple is effectively signaling that protection against current security vulnerabilities is only possible with an upgrade to the latest major version. Staying on iOS 18 is practically impossible, even though a current security update exists.
Conscious decision to forgo iOS 26
If an iPhone is still running iOS 18 today, it's usually a conscious decision. The devices are powerful enough to run iOS 26, but there are understandable reasons for not updating for now.
This includes personal preferences, problems with app or company software, an aversion to new design concepts like Liquid Glass, or simply general caution towards major iOS versions shortly after their release.
As Snell points out, no one should be forced to choose between a security update and a system change they are not ready for. That is precisely the situation that has now arisen.
Which devices will receive iOS 18.7.3 regularly?
Apple's official security update page confirms that iOS 18.7.3 is only available via the public update feed for devices that no longer support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. These include, but are not limited to:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPad Pro 13 inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and newer
- iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and newer
- iPad Air 3rd generation and newer
- iPad 7th generation and newer
- iPad mini 5th generation and newer
These devices will receive the security update as normal. iPads running iOS 18 do not appear to be affected by the problem.
Workaround via the public beta program
There is currently a workaround to install iOS 18.7.3 on newer iPhones. Several users report that the update appears when signing up for Apple's public beta program and specifically selecting the public beta branch of iOS 18.
Only then does iOS 18.7.3 appear as an update option. This process seems cumbersome and unusual, especially when it only involves basic security fixes.
Apple's fine line between protection and coercion
Apple faces a delicate situation with this update practice. On the one hand, security is used as a key argument for rapid updates, while on the other hand, users with supported devices are effectively deprived of a choice. Those who want to stay on iOS 18 currently have to either forgo security updates or accept a major version jump.
Should Apple continue on this path, the existing separation between security updates and feature updates would become even more blurred. For many users, this feels less like protection and more like indirect coercion. (Image: Apple)
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