Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6.2, which means users who have upgraded to iOS 26 can no longer downgrade to earlier versions.
Apple’s signing system requires every iOS installation to be validated by the company’s servers. Once a version stops being signed, even if the .ipsw file is available, it cannot be installed on a device. This effectively locks users out of older versions.
The move is part of Apple’s long-standing policy to prevent users from running outdated and less secure versions of iOS. Those who haven’t upgraded to iOS 26 can continue using iOS 18 without issue, but for those who already made the switch, there is no way back.
The decision comes at a time when reports of various issues—especially related to the new Liquid Glass design—are surfacing, raising debates among the Apple community.
Alongside iOS, Apple also stopped signing iPadOS 18.6.2 and tvOS 18.6, which means iPad and Apple TV users are equally unable to roll back to older software once they update.
Ultimately, this ensures that Apple devices remain on the latest software, strengthening both security and ecosystem consistency.