Now that iOS 18 is available and you can also download the iOS 18 beta and test version of iPadOS 18, it is possible to take advantage of all the new functions and possibilities. However, there are some iPhone and iPad users who would like to return to the previous version of iOS or iPadOS.
The current (test) version is quite stable, but can still have a negative impact on, for example, the performance of your device. Consider shortened battery life, frequent crashes of apps or slower system performance. In that case, you can still downgrade iOS 18. You must then take into account that you will lose all collected data on the new software.
Downgrade iPadOS 18 or iOS 18
Rolling back the iOS version must be done through an update or restore process. Depending on your macOS version, you will need to do this in iTunes or Finder. Of course, a Windows user can also downgrade via iTunes.
Downgrading is only possible up to ±14 days after the release of a new iOS version, at which time you can only go back to the previous version. If a beta version is installed on your iDevice, you can always go back to the latest official iOS version
Steps via Finder
- Download the latest ipsw version here
- Connect your iDevice to your Mac or PC and open Finder
- Search for your iDevice in the sidebar under ‘Locations’
- Click on this and the overview will immediately open
- Keep the option⌥key pressed (Windows:shift⇧)
- Click on ‘Check for update’
- Select the downloaded .ipsw file and confirm by clicking ‘open’
- Start the installation by selecting ‘Update’
Steps via iTunes
- Download the latest ipsw version here
- Connect your iDevice to your Mac or PC and open iTunes
- Navigate to your iDevice and open the overview
- Keep the option⌥key pressed (Windows:shift⇧)
- Click on ‘Check for update’
- Select the downloaded .ipsw file and confirm by clicking ‘open’
- Start the installation by selecting ‘Update’
Downgrade is started
After performing any of the above steps, your device will be immediately downgraded to iOS 17 without performing a restore process. If this does not work, you will have to go through the above steps again, but instead of ‘Check for update’, click on ‘Restore iPhone/iPad’. Your device will then complete be erased and reinstalled with the ‘old’ software.
Downgrade iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in recovery mode
If the above steps do not work, you must use recovery mode, which is a special procedure to ensure that iTunes or Finder sees your iDevice and restores it. You can read here how to activate recovery mode.
If this is activated, iTunes or Finder will then detect your iPhone or iPad in ‘recovery mode’ and you can follow the above iTunes or Finder steps for recovery. Click ‘Recover’ while you are doing the option⌥key is pressed (Windows:shift⇧). Select the just downloaded .ipsw file, click ‘Open’ and confirm by clicking ‘Recover’
Restore iOS backup on restore
Your iDevice will be restored and the latest available version of iOS or iPadOS will be reinstalled, after which it is possible to restore a backup. NB, you can only restore an iOS 17 backup and not a backup of iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 (reason). If you don’t have a recent old iOS backup, you can set your iDevice as new or select an old backup that Apple has saved for you (more info).
Downgrading is only possible up to ±14 days after the release of a new iOS version, at which time you can only go back to the previous version. If a beta version is installed on your iDevice, you can always go back to the latest official iOS version