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Workaround to Install iOS 18.7.3 and Avoid iOS 26's Liquid Glass on iPhone

Hacker News users discuss Apple's apparent hiding of the iOS 18.7.3 security update on iPhones, forcing users toward the problematic iOS 26 with its laggy Liquid Glass UI. A beta enrollment workaround allows access to the stable release.
Signal Editorial Team
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How to Install iOS 18.7.3 and Avoid iOS 26’s Problematic Liquid Glass Interface

Apple appears to be hiding the iOS 18.7.3 security update from iPhone users, pushing them toward iOS 26 despite widespread performance complaints. A simple beta enrollment workaround provides access to the stable security update.

The Problem

Users report that iOS 18.7.3 appears available on iPads but remains hidden on iPhones through standard update channels. Instead, Apple only offers iOS 26, which introduces the controversial Liquid Glass interface that causes significant performance issues on older devices.

The timing raises concerns: iOS 18.7.3 addresses security vulnerabilities, yet Apple forces users to choose between security updates and device performance.

The Beta Workaround

Access iOS 18.7.3 through Apple’s beta program:

Method 1: Developer Beta

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
  2. Select “Beta Updates”
  3. Choose “iOS 18 Developer Beta”
  4. Install the offered update (currently the production 18.7.3 release)

Method 2: Public Beta

  1. Register at beta.apple.com
  2. Follow the enrollment instructions
  3. Access iOS 18.7.3 through beta updates

Both methods provide the same stable iOS 18.7.3 release, not actual beta software.

Performance Issues with iOS 26

Users report severe problems with iOS 26’s Liquid Glass interface:

  • Lag: 500-2000ms delays when switching or closing applications
  • Visual glitches: Constant interface disruptions
  • Keyboard problems: Impaired typing experience
  • Older device impact: iPhone SE and similar models become nearly unusable

Temporary Fixes for iOS 26

If you’re stuck on iOS 26, these settings reduce performance impact:

Enable Reduce Motion:

  1. Settings > Accessibility > Motion
  2. Turn on “Reduce Motion”
  3. Note: This reveals hardcoded delays between button presses

Adjust Transparency:

  1. Settings > Display & Brightness
  2. Select “Tinted” instead of “Clear” for Liquid Glass
  3. Consider disabling transparency entirely for better performance

Warning: Some users report that Reduce Motion makes devices completely unusable, while others find it essential for basic functionality.

Apple’s Update Strategy

Apple historically stops security updates for older iOS versions once newer major releases become available. Devices that can upgrade to iOS 26 typically lose access to iOS 18 security patches after a 2-3 month transition period.

This practice forces users onto newer iOS versions regardless of performance impact on their hardware.

Next Steps

Install iOS 18.7.3 now using the beta workaround if you want to avoid iOS 26’s performance issues while maintaining security updates. Apple will likely end iOS 18 support entirely within the next few months, making this a temporary solution.

Monitor your device’s performance after any update and consider the beta enrollment method as your primary path for accessing stable iOS 18 releases going forward.