Apple has released iOS 18.7.3 (22H217) and iPadOS 18.7.3 (22H217) for everyone, and the update is now showing up in Software Update for supported iPhones and iPads. The release went live on December 12, 2025, as part of Apple’s latest update wave.
If you stayed on iOS 18 instead of moving to iOS 26, this is the update you want to see. Apple positions it as a security-focused release, so you should treat it as a recommended install rather than a “wait and see” update.
How to update in a few quick steps
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
- Tap Download and Install
- Keep your device on Wi-Fi and plugged in until it finishes
What’s included
- Important security fixes across the system
- FaceTime protections, including a fix for a caller ID spoofing risk
- WebKit and Safari hardening, including multiple crash and memory-handling fixes
- Privacy and data protections in areas like Settings, Screen Time, Messages, and Telephony
Major changes
This release is not about new features or a refreshed interface. The headline change is security. Apple’s security notes list fixes for issues that range from memory corruption risks when processing certain files to browser-related bugs that can trigger crashes.
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One detail stands out. Apple says it is aware of reports that at least some WebKit issues may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on iOS versions before iOS 26. That is another reason to update quickly if you are still on iOS 18.
If you have installed iOS 18.7.3 or iPadOS 18.7.3, let us know in the comments if you noticed anything new, including battery life, performance, or app stability.
So glad I stayed on 18, heck if I knew what it was like I’d have stayed on 17. No more iphones for me.
I am DONE with Apple.
There’s too much change for the sake of change.
I’ll be damned if I am going to pay Apple any more money.
Thanks for nothing, Tim Cook, you incompetent.
Exactly.
Follow what DC (above and following) says. I’m on 18.6.2 on an iPhone 14 Pro. Only had iOS 26.2 offered, but after I followed DC’s instructions, iOS 18.7.3 magically appeared as available for download. *Very* weird that the “beta” option has to be chosen.
“DC says:
Join the iOS 18 public beta using the drop down under software update and you will get 18.7.3 offered again”
Same, 18.7.3 was on my phone yesterday, along with 26. I was awaiting until bed to do the upgrade but at that time 18.7.3 had completely disappeared and the only option is 26. I don’t want 26, and I did a hard reset and nothing.
Join the iOS 18 public beta using the drop down under software update and you will get 18.7.3 offered again
This is not new behaviour. Apple has been doing this for quite some time for devices that will support the newer iOS or iPadOS release, versus the update for the prior release. You have to tap back to the upper left of Available Updates to see the 18.7.3 upgrade screen.
There is no “available updates” to tap back to
18.7.3 not available for download on my iPhone 14
Me too. Don’t have this update on my iPhone 14 Pro Max. Why? I got only for ios 26.2 that I don’t want
If the device already got the 26.1 offer earlier in the week and was declined, now 18.7.3 does not show up. Is there a way to request 18.7.3 when only 26.2 is offered? (On another device, both second-to-newest gen, I saw both offered.)
Same here. I was able to successfully update my M4 iPad Pro and M3 iPad Air from iPadOS 18.7.2 to 18.7.3, but when I tried to update my iPhone 16 Pro to iOS 18.7.3, all that was offered was an *upgrade* to iOS 26.2, which I declined. Resetting the iPhone and trying again yielded the same result. I then tried initiating the update from my M4 Mac mini Pro (still running macOS 15.7.2) Finder window after connecting the iPhone to the Mac via a cable. When I clicked on the “Check for Update” button, it returned “This version of the iPhone software (18.7.2) is the current version.”. Apple must have pulled the iOS 18.7.3 release, or forgot to actually provide it…
it does not show 18.7.3 anywhere, only 26.2. supposed to be below 26.2 but there is nothing displayed. i am on iphone 11 pro max, i have 18.7.2. i will not download 26.2! i tried hard reset. no change.