Why I think Apple is pushing users to iOS 26 — and why that worries me

I’m skeptical: Apple released iOS 26.2 to fix several serious security vulnerabilities, then simultaneously pushed iOS 18.7.3 as a companion update. That sequence reads to me like pressure — not just protection — for users to move off the older iOS 18 and onto iOS 26.

On the surface, patching security holes is obviously the right thing to do. My problem is the optics and the mechanics: if critical fixes are effectively available only to users who upgrade, Apple risks creating a two‑tier ecosystem where staying on older releases is unsafe unless you accept the company’s upgrade timetable.

• What happened: Apple issued iOS 26.2 with fixes for major vulnerabilities; iOS 18.7.3 was also released but the messaging suggests upgrades to iOS 26 are preferred.
• My concerns: Coercion by design — security used as leverage; fragmentation for users who can’t or won’t upgrade; unclear communication about which fixes are fully backported.
• What I want to see: Clear, transparent security notes that spell out which CVEs are fixed on which versions, generous backports for supported devices, and better communication so users don’t feel forced.

I believe vendors should treat security patches separately from marketing nudges. If a vulnerability is serious enough to require immediate action, the fix should be accessible to supported devices without turning upgrades into a mandate.

For the original German coverage, see: iPhone-Ticker report. For Apple’s official security notes, check Apple’s security updates page: Apple security updates.

My Verdict: I’m not opposed to upgrades — I want them voluntary, transparent, and not weaponized. Apple should publish precise backport details and let users choose confidently, not feel cornered. Do you feel pressured to install the latest iOS updates, or do you prefer to wait?