Confused About iOS 18.7.3? Here’s Which iPhones Can Actually Update

Apple's new operating systems, iOS 26.2 and iOS 18.7.3, which are supposed to fix security vulnerabilities, have confused users unexpectedly. The distribution of these updates has also made it hard for some iPhone users to tell which devices can get each version.

A few users with the latest models of iPhones mentioned that there was no iOS 18.7.3 in the Settings app, thus stopping them from installing it. At first, Apple said that the update could be installed on both new and old iPhones, but the problems with availability tell another story.

When the company got ready to launch iOS 18.7.3 and iOS 26.2 together, it also announced a list of devices that would get the update. The list hinted at the following devices which would receive iOS 18.7.3:

iPhone XS and all subsequent models

iPad Pro (13-inch)

iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 3rd gen and later

iPad Pro (11-inch) 1st gen and later

iPad Air 3rd generation and subsequent release

iPad (7th generation and all later versions)

iPad mini (5th generation and above)

In a way, Apple has later changed the compatibility list by deleting the “and later” phrase in some cases. The change prompts the question if the update was really meant for new devices at first or if the initial list was just wrong. So far, no statement has come from Apple.

At this moment the below listed models have iOS 18.7.3 as the only confirmed OS:

iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR

iPad Pro 13-inch

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and beyond)

iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and up)

iPad Air (3rd generation and later)

iPad 7th generation and higher

iPad mini (5th generation and newer)

Apple discussion boards show that some users are attempting to install iOS 18.7.3 through the iOS 18.7 beta program. Yet, the reliability and safety of this method are still doubtful. Users are advised not to take the risk of unofficial methods since it could lead to device security being compromised.

Security experts are trying to convince the users who are reluctant to upgrade to iOS 26.2 to get the latest version installed without dawdling as the fixes in iOS 26.2 are for vulnerabilities already being used in active attacks, thus, making the update very important for both personal and corporate devices.

iOS 18.7.3 is mainly for older iPhones that can't run iOS 26. Apple is telling users that if they are compatible and can upgrade to iOS 26.2, they should do so right away rather than waiting for the smaller update.