Apple today released iOS 26.2.1 and iPadOS 26.2.1, minor updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems. The new software comes a month after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. iOS 26.2.1 adds support for the next-generation AirTag that Apple introduced today.
Very unfortunate that Apple has consigned those of us that have devices theoretically capable of running iOS 26 to 18.7.2 . Since iOS 12 is still being patched, perhaps I should fire up one of my old phones and pick up security updates that way, versus subjecting myself to 26.
Ars Technica had an interesting perspective recently on iOS 18 vs. 26 update adoption – https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/are-people-avoiding-ios-26-because-of-liquid-glass-its-complicated/ . It’s a bit of a statistical muddle.
Very unfortunate that Apple has consigned those of us that have devices theoretically capable of running iOS 26 to 18.7.2 . Since iOS 12 is still being patched, perhaps I should fire up one of my old phones and pick up security updates that way, versus subjecting myself to 26.