How do I downgrade from iOS 26?

How do I downgrade from iOS26? I accidentally updated my iPhone 16 pro max to iOS 26 after it did an automatic update

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Jun 10, 2025 12:03 PM

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beilie

Level 1

44 points

Posted on Jun 17, 2025 6:55 AM

To remove the iOS beta, follow the steps below:

Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on Mac).
Put the device into recovery mode (Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Side button)
Then choose Restore when prompted. This will erase the beta and install the latest official iOS version.
After setup, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and turn it off to avoid reinstalling the beta.

This method only works for downgrading from a beta version, not for downgrading between two official versions.

That’s because beta profiles can be removed and Apple still signs the latest public iOS, allowing you to restore to it.

Reference:

How to uninstall iOS or iPadOS beta software - Apple Support

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103 replies

DSR22

Level 1

18 points

Dec 3, 2025 5:24 AM in response to Libertypunch

Unfortunately, I am stuck with this horrible update until I can buy a new Phone. Never again will I allow automatic updates! Its horrible

What I learned is before any updates I need come here to see what the Apple community is saying and go to Google to see the feedback, which in this case is extremely bad....

A very expensive lesson. Never again!

Dec 3, 2025 6:30 AM in response to DSR22

DSR22 wrote:

Unfortunately, I am stuck with this horrible update until I can buy a new Phone.

Anything you buy new will have iOS 26 on it.

What I learned is before any updates I need come here to see what the Apple community is saying and go to Google to see the feedback, which in this case is extremely bad....

If you are change-averse, that's a good plan. Not, I suspect, that it will make any difference in how you look at things, but online commenters are generally the unhappy people, whether or not they represent the majority of people who use the product. People who like things are too busy using their devices and living their lives to take the trouble to post things like, "Updated. All good. Bye."