if you have avoided updating an iOS device because of some combination of hating the new UI or age verification nonsense, please be aware that a critical security patch has been back-ported to iOS 18 so you can install just the patch without a full upgrade. SCROLL DOWN on the Updates tab to find it, if it’s available to you.
@0xabad1dea heads up though, if you’re in the UK, the latest iOS requires age verification https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/03/apple-begins-age-checks-in-the-uk-with-latest-ios-update/
Apple begins age checks in the UK with latest iOS update

Move follows government pressure on smartphone makers to do more to protect children online.

Ars Technica