How to Uninstall iOS 26

Upgrading to iOS 26 may seem exciting, but not everyone is happy with the new design and features. If you find yourself regretting the update, uninstalling iOS 26 is possible—but it’s not straightforward. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Some Users Want to Downgrade

iOS 26 introduced a major interface redesign and the Liquid Glass look. While some enjoy the new animations, ringtones, and system improvements, others report bugs, glitches, and performance issues. If your iPhone is slowing down or apps are misbehaving, you might consider reverting to an earlier iOS version.

Steps to Uninstall iOS 26

1. Check Your Backup

   You must have a full backup from your previous iOS version (for example, iOS 18). Backups from iOS 26 won’t work for downgrading.

2. Download the Older iOS Firmware

   Find the official IPSW file for your device and previous iOS version. Make sure it’s compatible with your iPhone model.

3. Use iTunes or Finder

   
   

   • Connect your iPhone to your computer.

   • Open iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).

   • Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode.

   • Select Restore iPhone while holding the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows).

   • Choose the downloaded IPSW file.

   
   

4. Restore Your Backup

   After the downgrade, you can restore the backup from your previous iOS version. Keep in mind, data from iOS 26 may be lost.

Important Considerations

• Downgrading can erase your iPhone’s data.

• Not all iOS versions are signed by Apple, meaning some older versions cannot be installed.

• Downgrading is more complicated for the full iOS 26 release compared to beta versions.

In short, uninstalling iOS 26 is possible, but it requires preparation, patience, and caution. Make sure you back up your device and follow the steps carefully to avoid losing important data.