Apple’s latest round of iOS updates, released on December 18, 2025, has left many iPhone users scratching their heads. While the company pushed out its much-anticipated iOS 18.7.3 security update, those with an iPhone 12 or newer found themselves staring at a different option in their Software Update settings: iOS 26.2, with no sign of the 18.7.3 update. The confusion quickly spilled over onto MacRumors forums, Apple’s own support boards, and Reddit, where users from the iPhone 12 all the way up to the iPhone 16 reported the same experience: only iOS 26.2 was available, and the security update they expected was nowhere to be found.
According to MacRumors, Apple updated its security releases page to clarify the situation. The documentation now states that iOS 18.7.3 is officially available only for the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR—a significant change from the previous wording, which had promised the update for “iPhone XS and later.” This move, while not entirely without precedent, has clearly caught many users off guard. In the past, Apple has sometimes allowed users to stick with older iOS versions for a short period after a major release, as was the case with iOS 17 updates continuing after iOS 18 launched. But this time, the lack of clear communication left many users in the dark.
One frustrated user summed up the sentiment on Apple’s discussion forums, writing, “This poor communication from Apple is disappointing.” The experience, they said, felt reminiscent of how Microsoft pushes users toward Windows 11 upgrades—leaving little room for choice and plenty of confusion in the process.
The situation gets even more interesting when you look at what’s happening behind the scenes. As reported in user discussions across multiple forums, a handful of tech-savvy iPhone owners discovered a workaround: it’s possible to install iOS 18.7.3 through the beta channel, even if your device is newer than the officially supported models. Importantly, this isn’t a beta version of the software—it’s the final release of iOS 18.7.3, simply being distributed via the beta program. The catch? The download is hefty, clocking in at around 6GB, since it’s the full OS image rather than a smaller incremental patch. For those who’d rather not jump to iOS 26’s dramatically redesigned interface, this workaround offers a temporary reprieve, though many users remain understandably cautious about installing anything from the beta channel on their main device.
Adding to the inconsistency, some iPads that support iOS 26 are still being offered iOS 18.7.3 through the standard update path, according to user reports. One forum participant shared that they successfully updated both an iPad mini 6 and an iPad Pro, as well as older iPhone models, to iOS 18.7.3 without needing any workarounds. Apple, for its part, hasn’t provided an explanation for these discrepancies, leaving users to speculate about the company’s reasoning.
While the dust was still settling over the iOS 18.7.3 release, Apple moved ahead with the next phase of its software rollout: the first public beta of iOS 26.3. As reported by 9To5Mac and Business Standard, the new beta brings a fresh set of features aimed at modernizing the iPhone experience and addressing regulatory requirements, particularly those coming from the European Union.
One of the headline changes in iOS 26.3 is the overhaul of the iPhone’s wallpaper gallery. The update introduces a dedicated weather section, splitting the previous “Weather & Astronomy” category into two separate rows. Now, users can choose from three new live weather wallpapers, each of which dynamically reflects real-time weather conditions based on their current location. It’s a small but visually striking update that adds a bit of flair to the lock and home screens.
Perhaps more consequential, though, are the new tools designed to make switching from iPhone to Android a smoother process. The iOS 26.3 public beta introduces built-in support for wireless data transfers between iPhones and Android devices. Users simply place their iPhone near an Android device, and after connecting, they can select which data—photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, contacts, and more—to move across. There are a few caveats: both devices need to be running the latest software, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled. The process can be initiated by scanning a QR code on the Android phone or entering a session ID and pairing code.
Another notable addition is notification forwarding support for third-party devices. This feature, according to 9To5Mac, was designed to comply with upcoming EU rules requiring Apple to allow third-party accessories to access iPhone notifications. With iOS 26.3, users can now select a third-party device to receive forwarded alerts—though only one accessory at a time can be enabled. It’s a significant shift for Apple, a company long known for its tightly controlled ecosystem. However, there are still some limitations: when notification forwarding is enabled, notifications won’t appear on an Apple Watch, and users must choose which apps are allowed to send alerts to the third-party device, similar to per-app controls already available for Apple’s own accessories.
The iOS 26.3 public beta is available for a wide range of devices. Eligible models include the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 series, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). For those eager to try out the new features, the installation process is straightforward: sign up for the Apple Beta Software Programme, go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap Beta Updates, select iOS 26 Public Beta, and follow the prompts. As always, Apple recommends backing up your device before installing any beta software.
The rapid rollout of iOS 26.3’s public beta, hot on the heels of the iOS 18.7.3 security update confusion, underscores both the pace of Apple’s software development and the challenges of keeping users informed and satisfied. On one hand, Apple is pushing forward with new features—live weather wallpapers, improved data transfer tools, notification forwarding—that respond to user demands and regulatory pressures. On the other, the company’s communication around update availability and device eligibility has left some users feeling left out or bewildered.
For now, the workaround for installing iOS 18.7.3 on newer iPhones remains a lifeline for those who want to avoid the sweeping changes of iOS 26, but there’s no guarantee Apple will leave that door open for long. Meanwhile, the public beta of iOS 26.3 signals the company’s continued commitment to expanding the iPhone’s capabilities, even as it navigates the tricky waters of user expectation and global regulation. One thing’s for certain: in the ever-evolving world of Apple updates, staying informed—and maybe a little patient—has never been more important.
