Still Not on iOS 26? Apple Offers iOS 18.7.2 to Keep You Safe

Apple this week rolled out updates with important bug fixes and improvements across its product lineup – including security fixes for people resisting the jump to iOS 26.

This week marks the first major point-release of Apple’s all-new iOS 26. The Cupertino tech titan did its best to iron out some of the issues signaled by disgruntled early adopters.

iOS 26.1 also addresses dozens of security issues. Henceforth, older iOS versions exhibit many of the same vulnerabilities.

For devices capped at iOS 18 – either because of technical limitations, such as old-gen hardware, or because the owner is resisting the jump – Apple felt obliged to deliver the same security fixes in an update aimed squarely at hardware running the older iOS.

What’s new in iOS 18.7.2?

“This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users,” Apple says.

iOS 18.7.2 addresses around three dozen security vulnerabilities in core components like Accessibility, Find My, Mail, Notes, Safari, and the operating system’s underlying Kernel.

None of the flaws are tagged as “actively exploited” in the wild, but that doesn’t mean hackers won’t try to exploit some of these weaknesses.

According to the release notes, the update is officially geared towards iPhone XS and newer, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and newer, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and newer, iPad Air 3rd generation and newer, iPad 7th generation and newer, and iPad mini 5th generation and newer.

Updates across the board

Alongside iOS 26.1 and 18.7.2, Apple rolled out updates for its entire product line, delivering many of the same security fixes across the board. As of today, Apple customers should be on the following software versions:

iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 – iPhone 11 and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 8th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later

iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2 – iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later

macOS Tahoe 26.1 – Macs running macOS Tahoe

macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 – Macs running macOS Sequoia

macOS Sonoma 14.8.2 – Macs running macOS Sonoma

tvOS 26.1 – Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (all models)

watchOS 26.1 – Apple Watch Series 6 and later

visionOS 26.1 – Apple Vision Pro

Safari 26.1 – for users holding off a system update of macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia

Xcode 26.1 – for Apple coders postponing a system-wide update

If you’re wielding an older iPhone or iPad capped at iOS 18, go to Settings -> General -> Software Update and apply iOS 18.7.2 / iPadOS 18.7.2 today. When prompted, give your device permission to apply the patch and restart.

For peace of mind, run a dedicated security solution on all your devices. On Apple gear, keep the trusty Lockdown Mode toggle handy if you have reason to believe hackers might target you.

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