Apple released iOS 26.7 on Monday, a security-focused update to iOS 26 that arrives on the same day the company launched iOS 27 to the public.
The update contains only security fixes, with no new features. When iPhone users open Settings and check for updates, iOS 26.7 appears as the default option, while iOS 27 appears separately at the bottom of the Software Update screen as an alternative.
Apple’s dual-update approach lets users hold off on iOS 27 while still receiving the latest security patches. Anyone who wants to remain on iOS 26 for now can install 26.7 instead of jumping to the new major release.
iOS 27 supports the same iPhone models as iOS 26, so hardware compatibility isn’t a factor in the decision.
Apple is expected to make iOS 27 the default recommended update within a few weeks, at which point users who haven’t already upgraded will see it presented as the primary option.
Recent security activity
iOS 26.7 continues a period of frequent security releases from Apple. Earlier this month, the company pushed iOS 26.6.2 to fix a bug preventing software downloads over cellular connections.
In August, iOS 26.6.1 addressed nearly 30 security vulnerabilities, part of what Apple described as an accelerated release schedule, as AI tools surface bugs faster than the company’s usual update cadence can handle.
Apple has not published a detailed security content page for iOS 26.7 beyond confirming the update contains security fixes.
