If you have updated your iPhone to iOS 18 or later and you want to downgrade to an earlier version of iOS 17 for whatever reason, keep reading to learn how.
If you are running any version of iOS 18 on your iPhone, you can't just downgrade to the most recent version of iOS 17 via Apple's typical device restore process using a PC or Mac. This is because Apple has only released IPSW files for devices that do not support iOS 18. (IPSW stands for iPhone Software Package – the file format used by Apple to distribute firmware updates for its devices.) However, the good news is that there's a workaround.
The workaround involves downloading the last signed beta version of iOS 17.6 (beta 3) as an IPSW file. By downloading and installing this beta, you will then be able to update your iPhone to Apple's latest iOS 17 point release, iOS 17.7.2, using Apple's over-the-air update mechanism. The steps further down on this page show you how it's done.
Important Note About Device Backups
Before following the steps below, it's important to understand that backups made on a higher iOS version (e.g., iOS 18) cannot be restored to a device running a lower iOS version (e.g., iOS 17.7.2). If you downgrade, you'll need to set up your device as new or restore from a backup made on the same or an earlier iOS version.
How to Downgrade From iOS 18 to iOS 17
macOS
On your Mac, visit Appledb.dev and select the version of iOS 17.6 beta 3 that corresponds to your iPhone model to download the .ipsw file.
Connect your iPhone to your computer, then navigate to your iPhone in Finder.
Hold the Option or Alt key on your keyboard, and press "Restore."
Select the .ipsw file that you downloaded.
Wait for the restore to complete. (You may be prompted to turn off Find My for your device before the restore operation can complete.)
Allow your device to reboot into the installed version of iOS.
Windows
On your PC, visit Appledb.dev and select the version of iOS 17.6 beta 3 that corresponds to your iPhone model to download the .ipsw file.
Install the latest version of iTunes from the Microsoft Store.
Connect your iPhone to your PC.
Open iTunes and navigate to your iPhone.
Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and press "Restore."
Select the .ipsw file that you downloaded.
Wait for the restore to complete, and let your iPhone reboot.
Your iPhone should now be running a clean version of iOS 17.6 beta 3. From here you should be able to use Apple's over-the-air update system to update to iOS 17.7.2, which is the latest point release of iOS 17 prior to iOS 18. Head to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update and wait for the iOS 17.7.2 update to appear, then tap Install.
When you have successfully update to iOS 17.7.2, your iPhone will eventually show a badge notification for the Settings app on your Home Screen. An easy way to get rid of this notification within Settings is to set your General ➝ Software Update options to look for available Beta Updates (iOS 17 public or developer beta). You don't have to download the beta, but it will make the iOS 18 update reminder go away.
Thursday November 20, 2025 6:28 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple's annual four-day Black Friday through Cyber Monday shopping event is returning on Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1 in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and others.
During the shopping event, customers can get an Apple gift card with...
Wednesday November 19, 2025 4:00 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
One thing worth...
Monday November 17, 2025 3:20 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple provided developers with the third beta of an upcoming iOS 26.2 update, and there are still new features that are being added with each beta that we get. We've rounded up all of the changes that Apple made in beta 3.
AirDrop
Apple added new AirDrop functionality, providing a way for two people to share files temporarily without having to add one another as contacts.
iOS 26.2...
Apple today announced an expansion of AppleCare+ coverage in India, with new options for monthly and annual plans, and the addition of Theft and Loss for iPhone for the first time.
Options for monthly and annual AppleCare+ plans in India provide more choice and flexibility, allowing users to keep coverage for as long as they require. Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product...
Thursday November 20, 2025 10:50 am PST by Joe Rossignol
iOS 26.2 is currently in beta testing. The upcoming update includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, including a new Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics for Apple Music, and more.
In a recent press release, Apple confirmed that iOS 26.2 will be released to all users in December, but it did not provide a specific release date.
Keep reading...
Apple's eighth-generation iPad mini is highly likely to arrive next year, offering a significant refresh of the device with at least four major new features.
OLED Display
The next-generation version of the iPad mini could feature an OLED display, as part of Apple's plan to expand the display technology across many more of its devices. Apple's first OLED device was the Apple Watch in 2015, ...
Friday November 21, 2025 3:53 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple has begun selling the Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand, a new limited-edition iPhone accessory designed with accessibility in mind.
Designed by LA-based Bailey Hikawa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple, the grip uses magnets to securely snap onto any iPhone with MagSafe.
Apple says it can be removed with ease, and doubles as a stand with two different viewing...
Tuesday November 18, 2025 10:53 am PST by Joe Rossignol
A new study has revealed that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air achieve significantly faster average Wi-Fi speeds compared to the iPhone 16 series, thanks to Apple's custom-designed N1 chip.
The study was conducted by Ookla, the company behind the popular Speedtest website and app. It said the results are based on global, crowdsourced Speedtest user data...
We're getting closer to Black Friday, which lands next week on Friday, November 28. In the lead-up to the shopping holiday, we're tracking a few lowest-ever prices on Apple's most popular Macs, including the M4 MacBook Air and brand new M5 MacBook Pro.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment,...
Tuesday November 18, 2025 8:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
Starting this Wednesday, November 19, the feature will be available to residents of Illinois.
The announcement confirmed that the...
