Alex Ruben
How To Revert Your iPhone from iOS 26 Beta to iOS 18 in 2025
Downgrading from the iOS 26 Beta back to iOS 18 is kinda tricky, but it can definitely be worth it if you’re running into bugs or just want that more stable experience. Beta versions are fun to try, but sometimes they turn your device into a slow or unstable mess. This walkthrough covers all the steps—yes, including erasing your device and installing the older firmware—that you need to get back to iOS 18. Expect to lose some everything if you don’t back up, so don’t skip that part. But once done, your iPhone should feel snappier, and the bugs should hopefully be gone. Just be aware, on some setups, this process fails the first time around and might require a second try or a reboot of your computer. Because, of course, Apple has to make it harder than it needs to be.
How to Fix iOS 26 Beta to iOS 18 Downgrade Issues
Ensure you have the right tools and files
First off, you’ll want to grab the correct IPSW file for your specific iPhone model from ipsw.me. It’s really important to download the right one because installing the wrong firmware will either fail or brick your device, which is terrifying. Also, make sure you’ve got the latest version of iTunes (for Windows or older macOS versions) or use Finder if you’re on a newer macOS (Catalina+).
Prepare your device and disable blocking settings
While this is obvious, it’s still good to double-check. Make sure your device has a decent internet connection and is connected to your computer via USB. If you’re using VPNs or proxies, disable those — they can mess with the restore process. Also, turn off any restrictions or Screen Time limits: head into Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle them off because they might block the restore.
Erase your iPhone — the brutal but necessary step
Now, you’re gonna want to wipe the device clean. Head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. It’s the only way to let your device accept the older firmware without errors. Confirm the wipe and wait for the process to finish. Think of this as giving your iPhone a clean slate so the downgrade can go smoothly. On some setups, this step can take a few minutes, and it’s kinda nerve-wracking, but it’s necessary.
Start the downgrade in iTunes or Finder
Once your iPhone is wiped, connect it to your computer again. Launch iTunes or open Finder if you’re on Mac. Find your device in the sidebar or top menu. Then, hold down Shift (Windows) or Option (Mac) and click Restore iPhone.
- When prompted, browse to the iOS 18 IPSW file you downloaded earlier.
- Select it and hit okay. The software will verify the file—don’t disconnect during this part.
Expect the process to take some time, and don’t panic if it seems stuck at first. Sometimes, Windows or your Mac might hang a bit during restore, or you might see errors—retry after a restart or using a different USB port. On one machine, it worked like a charm the first time; on another, it needed a second go.
Watch out for common hiccups and errors
If you hit errors like “The iPhone could not be restored,” ensure your USB cable is good and your port isn’t damaged. Disabling antivirus or security software temporarily can help. Also, verify that the IPSW file isn’t corrupted; redownload if necessary. Sometimes, you need to put your device into Recovery Mode (connect your iPhone to the computer, then press and release volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until recovery mode appears) if it refuses to restore normally.
Wrap-up
Once everything is done and your iPhone restarts with iOS 18 in place, it should feel a lot more predictable and less buggy. Downgrading basically wipes out your current setup, so backups are crucial. This whole process isn’t exactly smooth sailing, but if you stick with it, your device should be back to a steady state.
Summary
- Download the correct IPSW for your device from ipsw.me
- Use iTunes or Finder to restore with that IPSW
- Erase your iPhone before the restore to avoid errors
- Have backups, check your connections, and stay patient
Fingers crossed this helps
Downgrading can be a pain, but once it’s done, your iPhone might just perform a lot better. Not sure why Apple makes it complicated, but hey, that’s life. Good luck, and hope it all works out the first time!