Updated Nov. 9 with more analysis of the new software releases for iPhone and iPad and which update to choose.
Apple has just released iOS 18.7.2, a full two days after iOS 26.1 landed. Is this the last call for iOS 26 resisters? Here’s what’s in it and how to get it. Alongside iOS 18.7.2, Apple also released iPadOS 18.7.2, for iPad users who haven’t updated to iPadOS 26.
Some analysts had thought that iOS 18.7.2 might not appear, it was so late. That seemed unlikely to me, given that the release candidate had been spotted already. Quite why it was so much later isn’t known, but here it is anyway.
Last year, when iOS 18.1 was released in late October 2024, iOS 17.7.1 came alongside. Three weeks later, iOS 17.7.2 appeared, but support stopped then for devices which could run the next software.
The need for bug fixes could mean there’ll be iOS 18.7.2, but if not, this is likely the last iOS 18 security update, assuming the company follows last year’s policy of moving compatible phones to the latest operating system a couple of months after release.
Apple wants everyone on iOS 26 if the phone can handle it.
The only difference in strategy might come from the fact that last year, every phone that was compatible with iOS 17 was also compatible with iOS 18. This year, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR were left behind on iOS 18, so Apple may support iOS 18 for longer.
However, in previous years, the x.7.2 release was the final version available to devices which also supported the newer OS. In other words, after this release, it’s probable that iOS 18 updates won’t be made available to iPhone 11 series or later, only iOS 26, though security updates will be offered exclusively to iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR users.
Which iPhones Can Run iOS 18.7.2?
This update, however, is available to the latest iPhones. Altogether, all iPhones from the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR right up to the latest iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air are capable of receiving and running iOS 18.7.2.
How To Get It
It’s straightforward to upgrade: open the iPhone Settings app, then choose General, followed by Software Update. Next, click on Download and Install, and you’ll be good to go shortly. On my iPhone 17 Pro, it weighs 755MB, smaller than the recent iOS 26.1 update.
What’s In The Release
There are more than 25 security fixes in the new release, with issues affecting Find My, Safari, Notes, Mail and Camera.
Sometimes the reason for not updating to the new software cycle isn’t personal: for example if “they have devices managed by IT departments that haven’t approved them yet. For such users, Apple continues to deliver software updates for the prior version of the OS that includes critical security updates,” as MacWorld puts it. “Among the most concerning are App Store, Mail, and Spotlight vulnerabilities,” it goes on. The App Store issue means an app “may be able to fingerprint the user,” while the Mail issue could mean remote content might be loaded even if the relevant setting to “Load Remote Images” is turned off.
For Spotlight, someone with physical access to the iPhone could view sensitive information on a locked device. Apple says it’s fixed all three of these issues, as well as the other twenty-odd problems.
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re still keen not to install iOS 26, then you should definitely upgrade to iOS 18.7.2 for all these security fixes. But, be warned, it’s probably your last chance to stay up to date without going all in on iOS 26.
Of course, if you have the three iPhones for which this update is also designed, that is, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, then iOS 18.7.2 is the only way to stay up to date. Choosing this release is something of a no-brainer, given that it includes so many bug and security fixes.
More details of what’s in the release comes from Geeky Gadgets. “The iOS 18.7.2 update is relatively lightweight, with a file size of approximately 755 MB, though the exact size may vary depending on your specific device. It carries the build number 22H124 and does not include modem updates, indicating that the focus is on system-level improvements rather than network-related changes,” it reports.
Commenting on the 25-plus vulnerabilities fixed in the release, it adds: “Improvements in redacting sensitive information bolster user privacy, while other patches strengthen the operating system against potential cyber threats. If protecting your personal data and ensuring a secure digital experience are priorities, this update is essential.”
Finally, it comments that performance boosts will be greater on older iPhones than new ones: “iOS 18.7.2 delivers noticeable performance improvements, particularly for older devices like the iPhone XS and XR.” Users can expect smoother system navigation, faster app loading times and improved responsiveness during multitasking.
“These optimizations extend the lifespan of older models, making sure they remain functional and efficient for longer periods. For users who may not be ready to upgrade to a newer device, this update provides a meaningful boost to daily usability,” it says.
The moral of the story may be that whichever you choose, it’s a good idea to get one of them installed pronto.
