Overview

• The Mac Observer reports that Apple is signing iOS 18.5, enabling downgrades from iOS 26 while the window remains open, and users should confirm status on ipsw.me before proceeding.
• You must download the iOS 18.5 IPSW for your exact iPhone model from a trusted source that shows the file as signed.
• A Mac with Finder or a PC with iTunes is required, and the restore is initiated by entering recovery mode and using Option or Shift plus Restore iPhone to select the IPSW.
• The process erases the device, and backups created on iOS 26 cannot be restored to iOS 18.5, so an older backup is needed or the phone must be set up as new.
• Installation typically completes in about 10–20 minutes, offering a rollback path for users facing lag, battery drain, or app issues on iOS 26.