iOS 18.7.3-18.7.6 were withheld from most devices; iOS 18.7.7 is enabled for all

"Note: We enabled the availability of iOS 18.7.7 for more devices on April 1, 2026, so users with Automatic Updates turned on can automatically receive important security protections from web attacks called DarkSword. The fixes associated with the DarkSword exploit first shipped in 2025."

https://support.apple.com/en-us/126793

I speculate withholding security updates from iOS 26 compatible devices still on iOS 18 to force people to update didn't work out due to Liquid Glass resistance.

If it is, my next phone may run GrapheneOS or similar rather than iOS.

Please grow up. As of iOS 26.1, the transparency effects can be substantially turned down; 26.4 builds upon that, making the issue all but moot. If you choose to self-sabotage by moving to another OS, forcing you to repurchase apps on a competing platform all over again, and learn the quirks and flaws of that platform, I wish you all the disposable income (and time) you may need to do that.

Liquid Glass is ridiculously ugly. I have two iPhone 12 minis still on iOS 18 one that is off as a backup device. I can mitigate some security risks with NextDNS on device.