Apple is gearing up to release the iOS 18.7 update for older iPhones before the iOS 26 stable rollout

iOS 18 rollout

Apple is scheduled to launch its new iPhone 17 series on September 9 with new accessories and software features. While most of the spotlight will be on iOS 26, the Cupertino-based tech giant is expected to roll out iOS 18.7 this month for older iPhones. Moreover, iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the older iPhone X series smartphones, as those devices are not compatible with the upcoming iOS 26 update.

According to a MacRumors report, Apple will release iOS 18.7 for older iPhones this September. It will reportedly be the last update available for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, as these phones will no longer receive new updates, since they do not support Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 operating system. Additionally, for users of these devices, iOS 18.7 will help extend the life of their phones with critical security patches and bug fixes.

The upcoming iOS 26 update will be the real highlight of the Apple event on September 9. This OS is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models, and has been in beta testing for months. Following Apple’s usual official announcement of this OS next week, the update is likely to arrive around mid-September for eligible iPhones.

With iOS 26, Apple is also expected to introduce new Apple Intelligence (AI) features, which are expected to be available on newer Apple smartphones by the end of this year. This could include smarter writing and image generation tools, expanding Siri’s capabilities with deeper contextual awareness, and bringing refinements across the home and lock screen window.