iPhone 12 not offered iOS 18.7.3 update, only iOS 26.2

Sorry - this is not a bug. Apple did confirm iOS 18.7.3 is only available for devices that support iOS 18 but do not support iOS 26.

Proof:

Apple Explains why iOS 18.7.3 is only ava… - Apple Community

For 18.7.2, you could decline the iOS 26 update, and then the 18.7.2 one would show up. (Assuming you were running iOS 18, with automatic updates turned off.)

This time, I don’t see a way to install iOS 18.7.3 (except presumably on those phones that cannot update past iOS 18).

Lee-o wrote:

TY. Do you have a source for your information? I am getting conflicted information and would like to see some sort of Apple documentation if possible.

No. But Apple has done this EVERY year for the last few years. You can stay on the previous iOS version for a short time, but then that time ends and you won't be offered any more updates on the previous version since you have a phone capable of running the new version.

You can wait, but you'll be waiting and waiting and waiting and you're just not going to get iOS 18.7.3 on an iPhone 12.

Solution:

1. Turn on iOS 18 Public beta
2. You should then see 18.7.3
3. Note that this is not a beta version but the final release image. The size is ~6GB since it is the Beta server and you don’t get 18.7.3 as a patch, instead it comes as the OS image

I’m on 11 and was able to upgrade form 18.7.2 to 18.7.3 this way.

It's intentional. Apple stopped signing 18 for models capable of 26, so it's no longer possible to update yours to that.

(262226)

To improve my understanding of the phenomenon, it would be highly beneficial if you could share a full screenshot (Do not crop it). Visual representations carry a greater impact than written descriptions.

Please remember that this is a public forum, so when attaching a screenshot, please avoid including any personal credentials such as IP addresses, card details, email IDs, Apple IDs, IMEI numbers, serial numbers, phone numbers, order IDs, or any identifiable location information if you are sharing a map.

With the limited information that you have provided, It is hard to even guess the problems faced by you. 

You may get faster and better responses to your query by --> Writing an effective Apple Support Commun… - Apple ...

Please re-post with detail so that someone else can help.

Re: “I followed those directions and now 18.7.3 is installing on my iPhone 13 mini.”

If the only way to get 18.7.3 is to run a beta version, I think I’ll stick with 18.7.2 on my iPhone 12 mini. It’s generally not a good idea to install beta software on your main / only iPhone.

Lee-o wrote:

Today's update. Still no option to upgrade to iOS 18.7.3. This poor communication from Apple is disappointing. Feels very similar to how MS is pushing users into upgrading to Windows 11. I expect better from Apple.

That's correct. And you WON'T see an option to update your iPhone to iOS 18.7.3. Apple only let's devices which are capable of remaining on the previous year iOS version for a limited amount of time. That time has now passed and since you own an iPhone capable of running iOS 26.2, if you want the security updates and bug fixes, you'll now need to update to the current iOS 26.2.

Apple doesn’t usually document things like how long you can update to the next-to- last major version. You find out that your window has gone away if you wait too late and miss it.

I updated to iOS 17 after iOS 18 came out, and do not recall Apple withholding “point” releases of iOS 17 afterwards. So maybe they are getting more aggressive about pushing people onto the latest major version.

These all encompassing "expert" platitudes are lame. Here's what's currently on my desk: iPhone 13 mini, just updated to 18.7.3. iPad mini 6, just updated to 18.7.3. iPad Pro, just updated to 18.7.3. iPhone 11 Pro Max, in the process of being updated to 18.7.3. iPad mini 5, in the process of being updated to 18.7.3.

One would not show 18.7.3 on my Mac so I did it on the device where it did show. Doing the last 2 as I type.

Borgness wrote:

1. Solution:

Turn on iOS 18 Public beta

2. You should then see 18.7.3

3. Note that this is not a beta version but the final release image. The size is ~6GB since it is the Beta server and you don’t get 18.7.3 as a patch, instead it comes as the OS image

I’m on 11 and was able to upgrade form 18.7.2 to 18.7.3 this way.

This is utterly, completely, totally WRONG. iOS 18 Beta no longer exists at all.

I guess that makes sense…

My iPad Mini 6 (A2568) got the 18.7.3 update, it was released in 2021.

my iPhone 15 Pro Max (A2849) only sees the 26.2 update, it was released in 2023.

No, lobsterghost1, it seems that you may be wrong. I followed those directions and now 18.7.3 is installing on my iPhone 13 mini.