Apple has changed how software updates are presented to iPhone users who remain on iOS 26. According to an October 8 report from MacRumors, iOS 27.0.1 now appears as the primary upgrade in Settings → General → Software Update, while iOS 26.7.1 has moved to the smaller “Also Available” section.
This does not mean Apple is forcing iOS 27 to install or immediately ending support for the older branch. Users can still choose iOS 26.7.1. Apple’s security releases page lists iOS 27.0.1 as the latest version and also documents iOS 26.7.1 for devices staying on the previous branch; both updates were released on September 28.
The change matters because it marks the end of the initial period when iOS 27 was presented as a secondary option. Apple is now steering compatible devices more directly toward the new system generation. Users who are not ready to move to iOS 27 can remain on iOS 26, but should install at least version 26.7.1 to receive the current security fixes.