Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears
Apple is preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 release date nears, giving users one last round of fixes before the major upgrade lands. According to early logs, the update is expected in September and will primarily focus on patching security vulnerabilities.
For iPhone owners still running iOS 18, this could be one of the last updates before Apple fully transitions users to iOS 26. Older devices like the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will see their final official updates with iOS 18.7, since they won’t support the new iOS 26.
iOS 18.7: What to Expect
While iOS 18.7 is unlikely to introduce big new features, it plays a crucial role in tightening device security. These types of “bridge updates” help ensure older iPhones remain protected as Apple prepares to roll out its next-generation operating system.
This release signals the end of the line for several classic iPhones, closing out years of updates before shifting focus fully to newer models.
Which iPhones Will Get iOS 26?
Apple confirmed that iOS 26 will only be available for iPhone 11 and later models. This means iPhone XR and XS owners will remain on iOS 18.7 moving forward, with no access to iOS 26’s new features.
If you own a newer iPhone, you can expect iOS 26 to deliver major performance improvements, expanded AI integrations, and smarter system-level features that Apple has been teasing since WWDC.
iOS 26 Release Timeline
Based on Apple’s history of fall software launches, iOS 26 is expected to arrive by mid-September. Here’s a quick look at past release dates:
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iOS 18 → September 16, 2024
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iOS 17 → September 18, 2023
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iOS 16 → September 12, 2022
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iOS 15 → September 20, 2021
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iOS 14 → September 16, 2020
Following this pattern, iOS 26 should be available for download around September 15–17, 2025.
Why iOS 18.7 Matters Before iOS 26
Even if it feels like a small update, iOS 18.7 is significant for two reasons:
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Final update for older iPhones – XR and XS models get their last iOS patch.
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Security stability – It ensures devices remain safe during the transition to iOS 26.
For users who won’t be upgrading hardware immediately, this update is a crucial safeguard.
Apple preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 release date nears highlights the company’s ongoing support for older models while gearing up for the next big step. With iOS 26 just weeks away, users can expect a mix of nostalgia and excitement—one generation closing while another begins.
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