Can I downgrade my iPhone from iOS 18 to the previous version?

Nope, there is no supported way to go back to iOS 17. For specific changes for such things as Control Center, it is now completely customizable, If you have not used any of the new features to customize the look, you should start here:

Use and customize Control Center on iPhone - Apple Support

Photos app is also now completely customizable. In addition to changing the size of the thumbnails on your screen, you can also review the steps here to customize it along with additional information on viewing your photos. If you do not like the Photos app, there are many other options available in the App Store, so the choice is yours there which one would meet your needs.

Customize the Photos app on iPhone - Apple Support

You now see bigger emojis because users had previously complained they were too small and send feedback to Apple. You can do the same and maybe they can make the size adjustable. In any case, Apple won't see your post here, so the place to do that is with this link:

Product Feedback - Apple

You can expect a change in iOS every year as that has been the standard upgrade schedule. If Apple never made changes that added new features to iOS, users would complain that Apple is not being innovative, and when changes are made, then users complain they didn't want any changes. We saw the same complaints when for years there were no changes to the Calculator app as users demanded more features. It really is a no win in either case, and would recommend that if you don't want to see any changes, then make sure to not update when you see the new version available.

emy39 wrote:

iPhone is so hot and kill my battery life fast, and I don’t want the iOS 18 anymore

Downgrading is not possible, but you can look in your Battery Settings and see which apps are consuming the most resources. Commonly it is Social Media apps by Meta, and once removed the issue will be resolved. It will take an update by the developer of the app to fix the bugs that is causing the problem. Apple cannot fix those apps, but gives you the ability to identify them so you can make the decision for yourself. Those apps are now having the same problem on iOS 17 as well and have been noted here previously. For example these are due to Facebook and WhatsApp.

Facebook app drains battery in background… - Apple Community

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255567097?sortBy=newest_first

semenor wrote:

Hum! this is software dude, anyone can dislike a new software version or app interface, it is not a matter of accepting any change so nobody "categorize" the other as a "resistant to change". Suggesting to read a book to understand "how to accept the change" just for a new software version seems too much. The question was "how to downgrade iOS 18 rather than "how can I accept the change" jeje.

Review the posts here and the answer has been given already, you cannot downgrade iOS. It has never been an option, so that leaves you with these options:

• Send feedback to Apple
• Accept the changes

Of course, some have said they would prefer a different device platform and that is their choice too. Didn't think it was necessary to include that as that is an obvious choice and one that many throw out there when they don't like the changes. Heard the same thing when Apple removed the CD Drive, then DVD drive and also when they didn't include Flash support on the iPhone.

If you have a specific question such as "How do I change from the dark app icons", then a solution can be given like enter "jiggle" mode and choose the "Light" icon stye, but with "this 18 update really looking messed up. so inconvenient", there is not much that can be provided.

Re: “PLEASE LET ME DOWNGRADE!!!! Customer service said I had to return to factory settings and then I would recover pictures lost with update.”

You cannot downgrade iOS. Erasing your phone will just erase the data and settings on it, but will not let you go back to a lower version of iOS.

lelong90 wrote:

Did anyone find out if there was a way to go back to iOS 17? The 18 does not allow my text messages to show up in Apple CarPlay while listening to the radio. I hate it. It’s much more unsafe and very inconvenient. I hate the new photos layout but I can deal with that. I can not deal with not getting my text messages while driving.

It's been answered over and over. You cannot downgrade iOS.

To your issue with messages, you need to make sure you have settings set up correctly for messages to be delivered while using CarPlay.

Open the Settings App on your iPhone. Tpa Bluetooth. Tap the little circle with an i in it next to your car. Make sure CarPlay is turned on and turn on the switch for Show Message Notifications.

Next:

Use CarPlay to have Siri automatically read your incoming text messages and listen for your response.

• On your iPhone, go to Settings  > Siri > Announce Notifications, then turn on Announce Notifications.

Note: You can also enable or disable Announce Messages directly in CarPlay by tapping Announce when Siri reads an incoming text message. See Have Siri announce notifications.

NondiF wrote:

I’d like to rêver my iOS setting. The question is my « why change something that was working with something that doesn’t »? Why????

i have never been dissatisfied with any iOS update in the past and I had iPhone for 15 years.

this 18.1.1 update is the most stupid thing I’ve ever seen. It’s like having to learn to use a completely different operating system.

It is not possible to downgrade the OS and never has been for the last 15 years. Not sure if you are attempting to address Apple here or give them your feedback, but Apple won't see your post and you can leave feedback here:

Product Feedback - Apple

thesaint331 wrote:

I hate the new email layout of iOS 18.2. I want the previous iOS 18 back….

You can't have it.

You can let Apple know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

You can also look at some of the hundreds of email apps available in the App Store and see if any of them better suit you.

There isn’t a way, and there isn’t going to be. Better to try to troubleshoot and fix whatever issues your phone is having rather than waiting and hoping for something that isn’t going to happen.

DoxieMom24 wrote:

I have never had an issue with an update before, but the iOS 18 has actually made it harder to use my phone. Why was the screen color changed? Apple do you understand you have made it more difficult for some of us to use our phones?!? The entire point of an update is to upgrade, to improve your product. You missed the mark!

Apple you need to either (A) provide a way for those of us who are having issues remove the update without losing our data. Or (B) come out with a update that fixes the screen color and photo storage immediately.

I have been a loyal Apple customer for years. I had not even considered other brands when getting a new phone, but I will buy a different brand phone if this is not fixed! I’m not going to keep a phone that is harder for me to use!

You aren't writing anyone from Apple here. This is a user to user only forum, which no one from Apple actively participates, nor reads for user feedback.

I have no clue what you mean by the color of the screen was changed? The color of the screen on my phone wasn't changed in any way by the update.

Apple doesn't provide a path backward with iOS versions, so telling Apple they need to do that here, is a waste of your time. Again, because you aren't writing Apple here.

Threatening other users you will buy another brand of phone, is a threat, that falls flat here too. Again, because we are all users here, just like you and we honestly don't care what phone you buy. You SHOULD buy whatever phone you think makes the most sense for you.

Now, if you're having issues, instead of making threats and complaining, what have you actually done to try to resolve them? Have you for example visited the Apple Store Genius Bar for in-person assistance (which is free, by the way)? Have you tapped the Support Button at the bottom of this page? Have you called Apple at: 800-MY-APPLE?

garyfromnew preston wrote:

Downgrade I phone 11 update from version 18. It stinks.

You can't downgrade, it is NOT supported. Instead of just saying it stinks, perhaps describe the issues you're having and we can help you.

Sorry, but you can't. Apple does not support downgrading.

New_NeedHelp wrote:

So there is still No Way to change from the IOS 18 back to the Original Version ?

That's correct. There is no way. There has NEVER been a way.

RichardAhorkor wrote:

I’m have problem on my battery, after installed iOS 18.2 but I want to go back to my previous iOS

As has been said many times in this five-page thread, you cannot go back to a previous iOS.

Kana22_4 wrote:

Yes they told me in Apple support i mean im gonna bring him back on factory settings what else Because nothing works like it was bef i installed this 18.3.1.

[Edited by Moderator]

They told you what in Apple Support? You can certainly erase your phone back to factory settings, but it WON'T remove iOS 18.3.1, if you were under the impression it would.

margaretoc wrote:

I have the same question and would PAY to go back!!! My photos are now a mess. My sense of organization is NOT YOURS. So PLEASE offer a return to previous IOS version. Many Apple clients unhappy. DITCH 18.01 and show you’re listening!

And even more Apple customers are not unhappy.

You cannot downgrade.

By the way, if you're still running iOS 18.0.1, you're well out of date and are missing a number of security updates. The current version is iOS 18.3.2.