Apple released iOS 18.7.3 (build 22H217) on December 3, 2025 — and if you’re using an iPhone on the iOS 18 track, this update deserves your attention.
iOS 18.7.3 Update: What’s New and Should You Install It Now?
Apple quietly released iOS 18.7.3 (build 22H217) on December 3, 2025 — and if you’re using an iPhone on the iOS 18 track, this update deserves your attention.
What is iOS 18.7.3: The Release at a Glance
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The update landed via the usual OTA (over-the-air) channel — you can find it under Settings → General → Software Update.
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According to Apple’s official policy for 18.x updates, iOS 18.7.3 is primarily focused on security fixes and bug repairs, rather than bringing new features.
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Public release notes label it simply as a “recommended security update” for iOS 18 users — no major feature additions.
So, unlike major iOS upgrades (e.g. iOS 26) that introduce new functionality and design changes, 18.7.3 remains a maintenance / safety-oriented patch.
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Important Note: iOS 26 Is Now Pushed To The Top — Don’t Tap It by Mistake
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As of late 2025, Apple has changed the order in the Settings → Software Update interface: on devices still running iOS 18, the option to upgrade to iOS 26 is now placed prominently at the top. iOS 18 updates (like 18.7.3) may appear below or less prominent
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Once upgraded to iOS 26, you cannot downgrade back to iOS 18 — Apple has stopped “signing” older iOS 18 builds (including 18.6.2), which makes rollback impossible. In short: once you go forward to iOS 26, there is no return.
So if you’re on iOS 18 and prefer to keep your current setup, be extra careful when viewing update prompts.
Should You Install iOS 18.7.3 Now?
| Pros (why you should) | Cons / What to Know |
|---|---|
| Security patches — protects against unknown vulnerabilities. | No new features or visible improvements. |
| Potential stability and performance improvements. | If you plan to upgrade to iOS 26 soon, it may be unnecessary. |
| Recommended for devices not eligible for iOS 26. | Apple offers no detailed changelog — hard to know exact fixes. |
Final Thoughts
Minor point-releases like iOS 18.7.3 don’t grab headlines — but they often matter more for security and peace of mind than big feature-rollouts. If your iPhone is running iOS 18 and you care about protecting your data (or simply want stable performance), installing 18.7.3 is a smart move.
2 comments
klun
The chitard is ios 26?
P
I have wonderful , steady, no bigs, no battery drain iOS 18.7.2 and do not see any mention of 18.7.3 on my iPhones 13 mini and 14 pro. Is it a beta? Will it be offered sometime in the future ? I only see alerts to upload iOS 26.1 on both iPhones and definitely prefer to wait until the iOS 26.1 bugs are resolved . How can I upgrade to iOS 18,7,3 ?