When someone searches "iPhone X firmware," they may be looking for an iPhone X, an iPhone XR, or an iPhone XS. These are three distinct device families — each with different hardware identifiers, different final supported iOS versions, and separate IPSW files. That ambiguity is the core problem this guide solves. The answer depends entirely on which device you actually have.
For background on IPSW files and why Apple's signing window controls what you can install, see What Is a Signed IPSW?
Direct Answer: iPhone X is EOL at iOS 16.7.16 · iPhone XR and XS are EOL at iOS 18.7.9. These are different final versions, and neither family receives iOS 26 or later. Identify your device first, then download the signed build from IPSW.io.
Three Families, Three Different Final iOS Versions
This table is the reason this guide exists:
| Device | Model identifier | Chip | Final iOS | Final build | Signed (July 2026)? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone X | iPhone10,3 (Global) / iPhone10,6 (GSM) | A11 Bionic | iOS 16.7.16 | 20H392 | ✓ Signed |
| iPhone XR | iPhone11,8 | A12 Bionic | iOS 18.7.9 | 22H355 | ✓ Signed |
| iPhone XS | iPhone11,2 | A12 Bionic | iOS 18.7.9 | 22H355 | ✓ Signed |
| iPhone XS Max | iPhone11,4 (China) / iPhone11,6 (Global) | A12 Bionic | iOS 18.7.9 | 22H355 | Varies by variant |
Critical distinction: The iPhone X stopped receiving updates two full major versions before the XR and XS. If you are trying to install iOS 17 or iOS 18 on an iPhone X, it is not possible — the device is not supported. If you have an XR or XS and are seeing iOS 16 builds in search results, those are for the iPhone X, not your device.
How to Identify Which Device You Have
The marketing names "X," "XR," and "XS" look similar and were sold in overlapping periods. Before downloading any firmware, confirm exactly which device you have.
- Settings path: Settings → General → About → Model Number. Tap to toggle to the identifier (e.g. iPhone11,8).
- Physical check: The device name is engraved on the back. "iPhone X" (Roman numeral ten), "iPhone XR," or "iPhone XS."
- Screen size: iPhone X = 5.8" OLED · iPhone XR = 6.1" LCD · iPhone XS = 5.8" OLED · iPhone XS Max = 6.5" OLED
iPhone X Firmware — iOS 16 Final (iPhone10,3 / iPhone10,6)
The iPhone X reached end-of-life support at iOS 16. It will never receive iOS 17, 18, 26, or any later version. The final iOS version is iOS 16.7.16 (build 20H392), which is signed as of July 2026 and includes Apple's most recent security patches for this device.
| iOS version | Build | Status (July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 16.7.16 | 20H392 | ✓ Signed — final version |
| iOS 16.7.15 | 20H380 | ✗ Unsigned |
| iOS 16.7.14 | 20H370 | ✗ Unsigned |
Always verify live signing status before downloading — Apple closes windows without notice. For a full listing of currently signed builds, see the iOS IPSW Signing Status guide.
The iPhone X uses two hardware identifiers depending on its radio configuration:
- iPhone10,3 — Global / CDMA model
- iPhone10,6 — GSM model
Both run identical iOS versions. Download the correct file for your model:
iPhone XR Firmware — iOS 18 Final (iPhone11,8)
The iPhone XR reached end-of-life at iOS 18, two major versions later than the iPhone X. The final signed build as of July 2026 is iOS 18.7.9 (build 22H355).
| iOS version | Build | Status (July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 18.7.9 | 22H355 | ✓ Signed — final version |
| iOS 18.7.8 | 22H352 | ✗ Unsigned |
| iOS 18.7.7 | 22H340 | ✗ Unsigned |
iPhone XS & XS Max Firmware — iOS 18 Final (iPhone11,2 / iPhone11,4 / iPhone11,6)
The iPhone XS and XS Max share the same A12 chip as the XR and reached the same final iOS 18 support ceiling. Final signed build: iOS 18.7.9 (build 22H355).
The XS Max has two hardware identifiers:
- iPhone11,4 — China model
- iPhone11,6 — Global model
- All iPhone XS (iPhone11,2) IPSW versions
- All iPhone XS Max (iPhone11,4) IPSW versions
- All iPhone XS Max (iPhone11,6) IPSW versions
- All iPhone firmware downloads
Why the iPhone X Stopped at iOS 16 While XR and XS Reached iOS 18
The iPhone X uses the A11 Bionic chip. The iPhone XR and XS both use the A12 Bionic. Apple's iOS support policy is tied to chip architecture — the A12 enabled features (including Secure Enclave improvements and neural engine capabilities) that allowed two additional major iOS versions. This is a hardware limitation, not a software one. No update, carrier unlock, or firmware modification can bring iOS 17 or later to an iPhone X.
Restoring an iPhone X, XR, or XS with an IPSW File
The restore process is identical across all three families — only the IPSW file differs.
- Back up to iCloud or Mac/PC — restore erases the device.
- Download the correct IPSW for your exact model and confirm it is signed.
- Disable Find My iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone → Off.
- Connect via Lightning cable to Mac or PC.
- Open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices / iTunes (Windows). Select your iPhone.
- Hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) → click Restore iPhone → select the IPSW.
If the device is unresponsive or stuck on the Apple logo, see iPhone Boot Loop Fix: Recover Without Losing Data for DFU mode recovery.
Comparing the EOL Timeline Across Generations
- iPhone 7 Firmware Guide — EOL at iOS 15 (one version before the iPhone X)
- iPhone 8 Firmware Guide — EOL at iOS 16 (same final version as iPhone X, different chip)
FAQ
What is the last iOS version for iPhone X?
iOS 16.7.16 (build 20H392). The iPhone X is not compatible with iOS 17, iOS 18, or any later version. iOS 16.7.16 is the final signed build as of July 2026.
What is the last iOS version for iPhone XR?
iOS 18.7.9 (build 22H355), signed as of July 2026. The iPhone XR reached end of life at iOS 18 — it does not receive iOS 26 or later.
What is the last iOS version for iPhone XS?
iOS 18.7.9 (build 22H355), the same final version as the iPhone XR. The XS and XS Max share an A12 chip with the XR and reached the same iOS 18 support ceiling.
Why can't I install iOS 17 on my iPhone X?
The iPhone X uses an A11 Bionic chip, which does not meet the hardware requirements for iOS 17 and later. This is a hardware limitation — no software workaround exists.
What is the iPhone X model identifier?
iPhone X has two identifiers depending on its radio model: iPhone10,3 (Global/CDMA) and iPhone10,6 (GSM). Both run identical iOS versions.
What is the iPhone XR model identifier?
iPhone XR = iPhone11,8. There is only one hardware variant for the XR.
What are the iPhone XS model identifiers?
iPhone XS = iPhone11,2 · iPhone XS Max = iPhone11,4 (China) or iPhone11,6 (Global). Download the correct file for your region/model.
Is iOS 16.7.16 still signed for iPhone X?
As of July 2026, yes — iOS 16.7.16 (build 20H392) is the final and currently signed build for the iPhone X. Verify at IPSW.io before downloading, as signing status can change.
Can I downgrade my iPhone XR from iOS 18 to iOS 16?
Only if iOS 16 is still signed for the iPhone XR at the time you attempt it, which is extremely unlikely given how long ago that version was superseded. Check IPSW.io for current signing status — unsigned builds cannot be installed regardless of having the file.
