iOS 18.7.3 & iPadOS 18.7.3 Security Updates Released

Apple has released iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3 for iPhone and iPad, respectively, for users who are continuing to run the iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 operating systems. These are security updates that do not include any new features or changes, and are available as alternatives for users who either can’t install iOS 26 or do not want to install iOS 26 onto their devices for whatever reason.

These updates are concurrent with the freshly released iOS 26.2 update, iPadOS 26.2 update, macOS Tahoe 26.2 update, MacOS Sequoia 15.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2.

Specifically, iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3 are available for 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. If you have already installed iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 onto your device, you will not be able to install these updates, or downgrade to them.

How to Download & Install iOS 18.7.3 / iPadOS 18.7.3 Update

First backup your iPhone or iPad to iCloud to preserve your data, then proceed with the update:

1. Open “Settings” app on iPhone or iPad
2. Go to “General” and then go to “Software Update” as usual
3. Ignore the large prominent banner for iOS 26 / iPadOS 26, and instead scroll down to look for iOS 18.7.3 / iPadOS 18.7.3, and tap on that to download and install that update instead

Your iPhone or iPad must restart to finish installation.

Apple is aggressively pushing iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, so if you wish to stay on iOS 18 or ipadOS 18 you’ll want to be extra cautious as you install these updates, and you might want to disable the automatic update feature on your device too. Many users are avoiding iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 for a variety of reasons, whether for compatibility purposes, legibility issues with Liquid Glass, general dislike of Liquid Glass and the redesign of Photos and Phone app and iOS in general, performance reasons, or any number of other reasons.

iOS 18.7.3 IPSW Firmware Download Links

Apple only offering iOS 18.7.3 IPSW firmware files for a handful or devices, perhaps so that users can not downgrade to iOS 18 from iOS 26:

• iOS 18.7.3 for iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• Updating…

iOS 18.7.3 Release Notes

Release notes for iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3 updates mention security updates and that’s it, again do not expect any changes or new features:

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

https://support.apple.com/100100

Don’t forget to update your other Apple hardware too, as just about everything as received a software update recently.