iPhone: Will there be an iOS 18.7 before iOS 26?
Apple's new, major operating system update should be released in mid-September. However, log entries suggest that a small one could come before then.
(Image: Apple)
Apple is apparently preparing a final, major iOS 18 update. Log files from several major Apple websites, including Macrumors, are said to contain entries for a previously unreleased "iOS 18.7". This has not yet been sent into beta testing by Apple. As a reminder, the last iOS 18 version was 18.6.2, which contained an important security fix for a vulnerability that attackers had already exploited. It was recently revealed that the attacks apparently took place via WhatsApp in the form of a zero-click attack.
Two weeks until iOS 26
It is still unclear what iOS 18.7 contains. It can be assumed that Apple will fix the last known bugs in the operating system, plug any new security gaps that may have emerged and make preparations for the switch to iOS 26, if these are not yet complete. This is because the completely new operating system, which includes a new interface called Liquid Glass, is expected to be released in just a few weeks.
Based on Apple's usual schedule, iOS 26 should be released around September 15. That would be the Monday after the iPhone 17 keynote, which takes place on September 9. Apple has acted similarly in recent years, with the next iOS always being released a week after the presentation of new smartphones. Accordingly, iOS 18.7 should be released this week or next week so that there is still some "air" between the releases.
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Three iPhones remain on iOS 18
Alternatively, it is also conceivable that Apple could offer iOS 18.7 and iOS 26 for download in parallel to fix at least some security vulnerabilities closed in iOS 26 in iOS 18.7. This year, some well-known iPhone models will no longer be supported by Apple. The iPhone XS, XS Max and XR are no longer compatible with iOS 26 and will remain on iOS 18. The models were launched in mid-September 2018, so they will soon be seven years old.
Apple normally updates its operating systems in two stages: The current one is maintained with all fixes and new features, while the previous one still receives security fixes. In some cases, its predecessor is also provided with bug fixes if they are serious and dangerous enough. Unfortunately, it is always unclear whether Apple really plugs all the gaps in the previous version of the current operating system. There are usually always a few missing in the latest version. It is therefore advisable to stay up to date.
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