Final update for older iPhones comes ahead of major iOS 26 rollout in September.

Cupertino, California – Apple appears to be prepping iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, at least if the MacRumors visitor logs are anything to go by. This update seems to be arriving alongside the much-anticipated iOS 26 release that’s expected sometime in mid-September 2024.

What We Know About iOS 18.7

So here’s the thing about iOS 18.7, it’s probably going to be one of the last hurrahs for several older iPhone models. Apple looks set to drop it in September 2025, which makes sense given their usual fall schedule.

MacRumors spotted evidence in their visitor logs, which is actually a pretty reliable way to catch wind of upcoming iOS releases before Apple officially announces them. The logs suggest Apple has been testing iOS 18.7 behind the scenes.

Don’t expect anything flashy though. This update will likely focus on patching security holes rather than adding cool new features. Apple tends to do this, they’ll push out these smaller updates to fix critical security stuff before the big version launches.

The End of an Era for Some iPhones

Here’s where things get interesting (or depressing, depending on your perspective). iOS 18.7 might be among the very last updates that iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR owners ever see. Those phones, which came out between 2018 and 2019, apparently can’t handle iOS 26.

That compatibility cutoff affects a lot of people, we’re talking millions of users who’ll be stuck with iOS 18.7 as their final security blanket. Apple usually keeps pushing security fixes to older iOS versions for a few years after newer ones launch, so it’s not like these phones will immediately become sitting ducks.

iOS 26 works with the iPhone 11 and anything newer. Industry estimates suggest this affects around 200 million devices worldwide, though honestly, those numbers are always a bit fuzzy.

Apple’s Predictable September Pattern

You’ve got to hand it to Apple, they’re nothing if not consistent with their timing. Every June, they show off the new iOS at WWDC. Then September rolls around, and boom, public release.

Looking at the track record:

• iOS 18: Monday, September 16, 2024
• iOS 17: Monday, September 18, 2023
• iOS 16: Monday, September 12, 2022
• iOS 15: Monday, September 20, 2021

Mid-September seems to be their sweet spot, usually lined up with whatever new iPhones they’re hawking that year. iOS 26 will probably stick to this script.

iOS 26: The Beta Feedback

After months of beta testing, iOS 26 appears to be getting close to the finish line. Beta testers have been saying the recent builds feel more stable and run smoother, which is always a good sign.

Word is that the update brings better privacy controls, some UI tweaks, and Siri improvements. Apple has been pushing the AI integration angle pretty hard for iOS 26. though whether that’s genuinely useful or just marketing speak remains to be seen.

Some developers are calling it one of Apple’s biggest software updates in years. The company has apparently been testing it with select enterprise partners since July, which suggests they’re taking the rollout seriously.

The Upgrade Dilemma

This whole iOS 18.7 versus iOS 26 split puts iPhone users in a bit of a pickle. Anyone with an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR has to decide: stick with what they’ve got and accept limited future support, or shell out for a newer device.

Security becomes the big worry for people staying on iOS 18.7. Sure, Apple will keep patching critical vulnerabilities, but those updates may become less frequent and comprehensive over time.

Some analysts think this compatibility change is Apple’s way of nudging people toward upgrades. Cynical? Maybe. But it’s hard to argue with the business logic, newer devices mean more revenue.

Consumer surveys suggest about 40% of affected users are planning to upgrade within six months of iOS 26 dropping. That’s potentially a nice chunk of change for Apple’s hardware division.

What This Means for Developers and Companies

App developers now have to juggle supporting both iOS 18.7 and iOS 26, which means more work and testing. Not exactly what they wanted to hear.

Enterprise customers might have it worse. Lots of companies standardized on iPhone XS or iPhone XR models that won’t get iOS 26. That’s a headache for IT departments everywhere.

Apple’s enterprise team has supposedly been working with big corporate customers on transition plans. They’re offering trade-in programs for bulk upgrades, which is something at least.

Tech support is about to get busy too. Major iOS transitions always flood Apple’s support lines with confused users and compatibility questions.

Culled: Macrumours