iOS 26 vs iOS 18.7: Most Comprehensive Comparison

Part 1. Comparison of iOS 26 vs iOS 18.7: Features and Compatible Devices

1.1 iOS 26 and iOS 18.7

Every year, Apple tends to release major updates (e.g., iOS 26) and minor security-focused updates (e.g., iOS 18.7) at the same time.

• iOS 26: The next-generation OS with a new design and the latest features
• iOS 18.7: The final version of the iOS 18 series, focusing on bug fixes and security enhancements

Both were released simultaneously on September 16, 2025.

• The download size for iOS 26 is approximately 13.5GB (tested on an iPhone 16 Pro Max), while iOS 18.7 is lightweight at approximately 973MB, and the installation time is short (less than 10 minutes).
• iOS 18.7 is an option for older devices and users who want stable operation, and Apple will eventually recommend migrating to iOS 26 after several months of parallel support.

You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Also Read:

Full Guide Inside: How Much Storage Does iOS 26 Take?

1.2 iOS 26 vs iOS 18.7: Device Compatibility Compared

There are clear differences in the compatible models between iOS 26 and iOS 18.7. Those using older iPhones should check this out.

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In other words, iOS 26 is designed for the latest hardware and does not support the iPhone XR/XS/XS Max, while iOS 18.7 supports older models and is suitable for users who want to maintain security.

Also Read:

How to Fix iOS 26 Laggy? Guide with User-Reported Fixes

Part 2. iOS 26 vs iOS 18.7 Complete Comparison of New Features and Design

The big appeal of iOS 26 is its innovation, while iOS 18.7 focuses on stability with almost no new features added.

Main new features and design of iOS 26:

• Liquid Glass Design

It features a transparent, glass-like UI. The home screen, lock screen, and main apps (Camera, Photos, Safari, Messages, Apple Music, etc.) have been completely redesigned. Layered icons and transparent containers have been added, and customization has been improved with clear icons and Liquid Glass clocks. With visionOS-style animations, the visual changes are the biggest ever.

• Apple Intelligence Enhancements

New features include improved contextual understanding for Siri, photo editing, Live Translation, image search, call screening, notification organization, and automatic reminder categorization.

• App Enhancements

The iPhone 17 Pro model is equipped with a "dual recording" function that simultaneously records images from the front and rear cameras.

• Others

There are also many improvements that directly affect everyday use, such as improvements to the dedicated password app and evolution of the email app.

Features of iOS 18.7:

• There are no new features, just bug fixes and security enhancements.
• The design follows the previous iOS 18 and there are no visual changes.

If you're looking for the latest features and design, we recommend iOS 26. If you prioritize simplicity and stability, we recommend iOS 18.7. However, some users say that the Liquid Glass design is a matter of personal preference.

Also Read:

How to Turn Off/Disable iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design on iPhone & iPad 【Easy & Fast】

Part 3. iOS 26 vs iOS 18.7 Comparing Stability, Security, and Performance

Stability

• iOS 26: Immediately after its release, there were many reports of initial bugs, such as app crashes, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth issues, and overheating. While improvements have been made since the beta version, instability remains.
• iOS 18.7: An improved version of iOS 18, it is very stable.

Security

• iOS 26/iOS 18.7 common: Includes important security fixes.
• iOS 18.7: primarily addresses undisclosed vulnerabilities. In the long term, migrating to iOS 26 is recommended.

Performance

• iOS 26: While improvements in app launch speed and multitasking performance are expected, there have been some reports of overheating under heavy load.
• iOS 18.7: Already 15-20% faster than iOS 18, it's perfect for users who prioritize stability.

Battery life

• iOS 26: Expected improvements from enhanced background management, but battery drain has been reported in the beta version.
• iOS 18.7: Reduced power consumption during standby and stable operation.

Note:

For iPhones with limited storage capacity, such as 64GB models, we recommend freeing up 6-10GB of space before installing iOS 26. Offloading unnecessary apps and using iCloud are effective ways to do this.

Part 4. iOS 26 vs iOS 18.7: Pros and Cons & Which Should You Choose?

To clearly explain the characteristics of both operating systems, we have summarized their advantages and disadvantages in the table below.

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Should I update to iOS 26 or iOS 18.7?

Who Should Choose iOS 26?

• You are using a newer model of iPhone 11 or later
• I want to be the first to experience the latest features and designs
• You can tolerate initial bugs or wait for a stable version (e.g. iOS 26.0.1)

Who Should Choose iOS 18.7?

• Stability is the top priority
• I'm using an older model such as iPhone XR/XS/XS Max
• I want to use it as a business terminal and prioritize safety.
• I want to apply security patches early, but I plan to migrate to iOS 26 later.

If you want to enjoy the latest technology, iOS 26 is the best choice, but if you prioritize stability and security, iOS 18.7 is the best choice.

Also Read:

How to Fix iOS 26 Battery Drain? 11 Easy Ways Here

Part 5. How to Use Reiboot to Update Smoothly

When updating to iOS 26 or iOS 18.7, you may encounter issues such as insufficient storage space, the installation not progressing, or the device getting stuck on the Apple logo. Tenorshare ReiBoot can help you in these situations.

Tenorshare ReiBoot Recommended Points

• One-click to enter/exit recovery mode
• Update or downgrade iOS to the latest version without losing data
• Fixes issues such as update failure, Apple logo loop, and black screen
• Compatible with both iOS 26 and iOS 18.7

• Download and install ReiBoot. Then, connect the iPhone/iPad to the same PC. Choose "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" on the interface.

  

• You’ll see two options on the screen: Upgrade and Downgrade. Choose "Upgrade".

  

• Click on "Download" to let ReiBoot download the latest iOS 26 firmware. ReiBoot will automatically detect the correct firmware package for your device.

  

• Once the firmware is ready, click "Initiate Upgrade.""

  

• Your iPhone will reboot with iOS 26 installed — no data lost, no hassles.

  

Still not sure how to upgrade to iOS 26? Check out the latest and simplest tutorial right here.

Additional Tip: Can I Update to iOS 26 After Updating to iOS 18.7?

Some users who are unsure whether to update to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26 seem to mistakenly believe that updating to iOS 18.7 will prevent them from migrating to iOS 26.

However, in reality, you can update to iOS 26 at any time after going through iOS 18.7. This means you can flexibly update to iOS 26 by first checking how it works with iOS 18.7 and then moving to iOS 26 a few days later or after the next version is released.

Part 7. Downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.7 without Data Loss

After experiencing iOS 26, many users feel the need to revert to iOS 18.7 for stability and compatibility reasons. Here, we'll introduce a safe downgrade method using Tenorshare ReiBoot. While updating or downgrading iOS is convenient, following the wrong procedure can lead to data loss and device issues. However, with ReiBoot, you can revert to a stable version like iOS 18.7 without losing any data. We encourage you to give it a try.

• Download and install ReiBoot on your computer. Connect your iPhone/iPad to the same PC. Trust your iDevice when asked. Tap "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" on the main interface.

  

• Then, pick "Downgrade" to start.

  

• Hit "Download" to get the current iOS 18.7 firmware package.

  

• Tap "Initiating downgrade" once the package is downloaded.

  

• ReiBoot will automatically uninstall iOS 26 and install the stable iOS 18.7 version on your device. Once the process is complete, simply click Done.

  

Still not sure how to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.7? Here’s the most detailed video guide you’ll find.

Summary

Whether you should choose iOS 26 or iOS 18.7 depends on your environment and priorities. If you want to experience the latest features and design, iOS 26 is the right choice, but if you are concerned about instability and battery drain immediately after release, it is wise to choose the more stable iOS 18.7.

In addition, there are many cases where the iOS update freezes or does not proceed according to the normal procedure. In such cases, you can use the professional tool Tenorshare Reiboot to complete the update safely and smoothly. Please try it out.

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