- Apple has started encouraging iOS 18 users to upgrade to iOS 26
- Many people are reluctant for a variety of reasons
- Fortunately, most of these problems are temporary or can be fixed
It’s usually a good idea to upgrade your iPhone to the latest version of the operating system, as this way you’ll get all the latest features and security fixes as they become available. Apple is trying to get iOS 18 users to do just that and update their devices to iOS 26, but some holdouts are wary for a few important reasons.
People only started noticing the new upgrade announcement from Apple over the last day or so. Found in the Settings app, Apple’s note recommends iOS 26 for the new features it brings, including the Liquid Glass redesign, Apple Intelligence, the Call Screening feature in the Phone app, and more.
If you’re an iOS 18 user, the iOS 26 announcement is now at the top of the Software Update page, with iOS 18 updates (if available) below. This is a change from the previous order, where iOS 26 was placed below iOS 18 in the list of updates, and it suggests that Apple is trying to push users towards iOS 26 even harder.
Still, not everyone is thrilled with iOS 26, and we see a few main reasons being given.
Why some users are reluctant to upgrade
Apple’s decision to advertise iOS 26 more prominently suggests that many users have declined to upgrade until now. Checking social media, one of the most notable complaints concerns battery life in iOS 26, which many people have said feels worse than in iOS 18.
Lack of storage space is another motivation, as downloading and installing a new version of iOS requires a lot of space on your iPhone. For iOS 26, the storage requirements could come in anywhere between 5GB and 15GB. If you don’t have enough available, either get a clear-out or stick with iOS 18 until you do.
And there’s another issue that many people have cited as a reason to skip iOS 26: Liquid Glass. Apple’s glassy interface overhaul has divided Apple fans, with many complaining about its readability issues and design flourishes. In iOS 26, Liquid Glass is front and center, making it hard (but not impossible) to escape if you’re not into the new look.
Should you upgrade?
While many of these complaints are valid, it is important to note that they will not affect everyone in the same way. The Liquid Glass complaints have been loud and clear, but not everyone hates the redesign, with many people proclaiming their love for iOS’ new direction.
Beyond that, many of the battery issues involved in updating your iPhone are temporary (and have been around for years, not just iOS 26). When you upgrade your iPhone, the new operating system must index all your files. It requires extra work from Apple’s silicon chip, which in turn drains your battery faster. Once indexing is complete, your battery usage should return to normal in most cases. But if you’re still having trouble, there are other tips you can try.
Storage space, meanwhile, can be freed up in a number of ways, whether it’s deleting large apps you no longer use or transferring files to one of the best cloud storage services. Apple also suggests that you can update iOS by connecting your iPhone to a Mac using a cable if you need more space for an update.
If you’re still using iOS 18, consider upgrading to iOS 26 to keep your iPhone up to date and safely patched against vulnerabilities. There’s no doubt that iOS 26 has garnered its fair share of criticism, but its quirks – temporary as many of them are – are worth what you get in return.
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