Should I update my iPhone 15 from iOS 18.6.2 to 26.1?

It is your choice, some obviously do not like seeing any change in the UI and others love it. You will experience battery drain, lag, and heat for about 3-5 days after the update while your files are being indexed and object detection algorithms are being performed on your photos in the background.

About Apple software updates - Apple Support

Other than that, you should at least update to iOS 18.7.2 if you want to stick with iOS 18 instead of 26.

I wouldn't!!

Updated my iphone 13 last night to 26.1 and now I cant swipe up. I've spent the whole morning trying to fix it and my phone is still unusable.

Updates provide security measures and bug fixes. It is recommended that you update any time there is a new release.

fadermover wrote:

I wouldn't!!

Updated my iphone 13 last night to 26.1 and now I cant swipe up. I've spent the whole morning trying to fix it and my phone is still unusable.

Perform a Force Restart on your phone:

• Press and quickly release Volume up
• Press and quickly release Volume Down
• Press and HOLD side button until the Apple logo appears. This may take up to 15 seconds while holding the side button and you have to ignore anything else on the screen until you see the Apple logo. If the Apple logo does not come up then you will need to try again as it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct.

I have seen posts where some have not liked the UI in iOS 26, but there has not been any systemic problem with the update not allowing a swipe up that has been reported. That would seem to indicate it is a local issue as opposed to a bug in the update causing the problem.

I would also recommend to make a new post with your information as it is not likely you will see many eyes on your issue when you just reply to another post. That is the best way to use this Support Site for issue resolution.