When Apple issued iOS 26.2.1 instead of iOS 26.3, it came as a surprise to some. But it seems that iOS 26.2.1 will be the only iPhone update released in January, which means you should upgrade now.
Apple iPhone
Update Jan. 28: This article, originally published on Jan. 27, has been updated to include hidden features and updates in iOS 26.2.1, iOS 26 uptake rates, other updates issued alongside iOS 26.2.1 and expert commentary about the iPhone upgrade.
When Apple issued iOS 26.2.1 instead of iOS 26.3, it came as a surprise to some. But it seems that iOS 26.2.1 will be the only iPhone update released in January, which means you should upgrade now.
In December, Apple released iOS 26.2, fixing serious security holes used in real life spyware attacks. Notably at the time, Apple failed to issue an iOS 18 alternative for reluctant upgraders. That confirmed the iPhone maker’s decision — upgrade to iOS 26 if you want to be protected from these issues. The iOS 18.7.3 update was released for older devices.
Now, iOS 26.2.1 has arrived six weeks later, I would have expected some security fixes included. But curiously, iOS 26.2.1 has no published CVE entries, according to Apple’s support page. This means it probably doesn’t contain any patches.
Apple’s iOS 26.2.1 does contain bug fixes and support for Apple’s second-generation AirTag tracker.
Let me explain why this seemingly small upgrade could be important for those still waiting to update to iOS 26.
Apple’s iOS 26.2.1 Aims To Keep iPhones Secure And Squash Bugs
Apple wants iPhone users to update to its latest software — in this case iOS 26.2.1 — it’s true. But with bugs left, right and center after a new release, it’s easy to see why some people don’t want to upgrade.
Even Apple itself understands this, which is why the iPhone maker offers security patches to those who want to stay on iOS 18 — up until a point.
It might seem strange that Apple chose that moment to be iOS 26.2, a major point upgrade that also fixed some of the most dangerous security holes iPhone users had seen in months.
Some figures indicated that iPhone users were still avoiding upgrading despite this risk, citing multiple bugs and the controversial Liquid Glass as a reason for staying on an insecure operating system version.
With iOS 26.2.1, perhaps Apple is simply trying to iron out all these bugs to encourage more Apple users to upgrade. Initial reports on Reddit indicate it is. If iOS 26.2.1 is less buggy, it’s certainly worth upgrading if you haven’t already to keep your iPhone secure.
Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, agrees about the importance of the iOS 26.2.1 update. “Even though iOS 26.2.1 doesn’t ship with new security patches, I would still be encouraging people to update as soon as possible — especially if they have not yet moved onto iOS 26 at all,” Moore says.
He points out that users on older versions could be vulnerable to “serious threats that have already been actively exploited.”
Staying a version behind doesn’t always mean just missing out on the latest features, says Moore. “It can mean leaving the door open to attacks that are already known by criminals. Forming a habit of updating devices is one of the simplest and most effective security steps people can take.”
New U.S. Survey Reveals How Many iPhone Users Have Updated To iOS 26
But the figures aren’t as bad as they seem, at least according to a new U.S. survey of 2,000 U.S. iPhone users examining how many have updated to iOS 26, and how they feel about the update.
Adoption has reached 78%, but confidence hasn’t followed, with 72% of iPhone users still reporting at least one concern when updating, according to the survey by price comparison site SellCell.
I always advise people to update their iPhone straight away, especially when major security holes have been patched. But the survey showed concerning habits when it comes to updating iPhones in a timely fashion. Only 39% update immediately when prompted, while 61% delay, dismiss or passively handle updates.
Battery life (24.2%) and performance (23.8%) were the most common hesitation factors, even among many users who have already updated. Meanwhile, 17.5% of iPhone users said they dislike iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design or readability.
SellCell describes how iPhone users feel pressured to update to iOS 26. “Recent security-focused coverage has encouraged users to move away from older iOS versions, as protections and legacy pathways are phased out if models can support iOS 26. As a result, many iPhone users are facing increasing pressure to update, even if they remain unsure about the impact on battery life, performance, or usability.”
This has led many to upgrade to the new iPhone software despite having reservations.
“For many users, updating to iOS 26 isn’t an easy yes or no — it’s something they think about, weigh up, and often delay,” the price comparison site said.
The findings show a clear gap between how many users have installed iOS 26 and how confident they feel about doing so.
Meanwhile, 15 % said they’re concerned about the difficulty of reverting once iOS 26 is installed, while 11.4% worry about bugs or features breaking.
Hidden Features And Updates In iOS 26.2.1
Officially, Apple says iOS 26.2.1 contains bug fixes and the AirTags update. However, people in the know say iOS 26.2.1 isn’t as small as it seems.
“iOS 26.2.1 is out, and it’s not a small update,” says jailbreak news site ONE Jailbreak on X. “60+ system binaries changed, major camera and video pipeline tweaks, a full audio firmware rebuild, new Security Enclave functions, and updated Bluetooth firmware,” they claim.
Other Updates Issued Alongside iOS 26.2.1
The iOS 26.2.1 upgrade was issued alongside iOS 12.5.8 and iPadOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6 and iPadOS 15.8.6, iOS 16.7.13 and iPadOS 16.7.13 and iOS 18.7.4 and iPadOS 18.7.4 for older devices.
However, quickly after releasing these updates — which are intended to keep core system services functioning on devices that no longer receive major iOS releases — Apple stopped signing them.
It turns out that this is down to a network connectivity issue, so new versions should be arriving soon.
Apple’s iOS 26.2.1 is available for the iPhone 11 and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 8th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
So, what are you waiting for? To update to iOS 26.2.1 now, go to your Settings > General > Software Update and download and install the update.