iPhone Users Face a Tough Choice: Update or Stay Vulnerable

Apple has rolled out iOS 26. 2 with critical security patches, including fixes for two WebKit bugs that could have been exploited in targeted attacks. Alongside this, iOS 18. 7. 3 was also released to address the same vulnerabilities for users who haven't upgraded to iOS 26. However, there's a catch. Some iPhone users, particularly those with devices capable of running iOS 26 but preferring to stick with iOS 18, are not being offered the iOS 18. 7. 3 update. Instead, they are being pushed to upgrade to iOS 26. 2. This move by Apple seems to force users to choose between staying on an older, less secure version of iOS or upgrading to the latest version, even if they're not ready for it. This situation raises questions about user choice and control. Why should users have to upgrade to a major new version of iOS just to get security updates? There are many reasons why someone might want to stick with an older version, such as app compatibility issues or personal preference.For those who want to stay on iOS 18 but still get the security updates, there is a workaround. By signing up for Apple's public beta program and opting into the iOS 18 public beta track, users can access the iOS 18. 7. 3 update. However, this seems like an unnecessary hassle just to get the security fixes they need. It's also worth noting that this issue only affects iPhones capable of running iOS 26. Users with older devices that can't run iOS 26 are still being offered the iOS 18. 7. 3 update as expected. iPads also seem to be unaffected by this issue. This situation highlights the importance of clear communication from Apple. Users deserve to know why they're being forced to upgrade and what their options are. Hopefully, Apple will provide some clarification soon.