iOS 18 release: How to avoid new updates and keep running iOS 17

Apple is set to roll out iOS 18, its latest iOS update that brings a host of new features and support for AI capabilities, later on Monday, September 16 in India. While iOS 18 will bring notable features and make old iPhone models practically new, several users prefer to wait for Apple to squish launch-day bugs before they finally decide to jump on the bandwagon. Here is how to keep running iOS 17 on the iPhone.

Disable automatic updates

The iPhone has an automatic software update setting, which downloads the latest OS in the background as soon as it becomes available. Turning it off will prevent the iPhone from automatically saving the iOS 18 update. To disable the setting, go to Settings, General, and then tap Software Update. Under this setting, toggle off the “Automatic Updates” switch.

Check for security updates

If a user has decided not to upgrade the iPhone to the latest iOS 18, there may be some crucial security updates they may miss out on. It, thus, becomes necessary to keep the iOS 17-powered iPhone up to date with the latest security standard. Users can go to the iPhone’s software update settings to download the security updates. Apple will release iOS 17.7 alongside iOS 18 later on Monday. Users should ensure they download and install the latest iOS 17 build on their iPhones. iOS 17 is supported on iPhone XR and higher models.

iOS 18 features

Releasing at 10.30 PM on Monday, iOS 18 will add more home screen customisations, new Tapbacks in Messages, a redesigned Calculator app, an overhauled Photos app, a new Torch widget, and, more importantly, Apple Intelligence. It will also ramp up security on eligible iPhone devices, including the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, which will start shipping on Friday later this week.