Update July 9, 3:28 PM ET: Like Aaron Perris It was mentioned in XApple has continued to sign the iOS versions listed in this article. As a result, owners of affected iPhone and iPad models can once again restore those software versions, most of which are the latest releases compatible with their respective devices. The original story is below.
iPhone and iPad users dependent on older devices will no longer be able to restore or download several older iOS versions starting today. Here are the details.
Only older iPhones and iPads were affected
As seen Aaron Perris In X, Apple stopped signing over-the-air (OTA) and direct IPSW installations for several older iPads and iPhones:
This means that starting today, Apple will no longer approve:
- Installing IPSW iOS 7.1.2 on iPhone 4 (CDMA)
- OTA installs of iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installs of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on iPhone 4S
- OTA installs of iOS 8.4.1 plus IPSW installs of iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4 on GSM and CDMA iPhone 5;
- IPSW installs iOS 10.3.3 on GSM and CDMA iPhone 5c;
- OTA installations of iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installations of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular;
- OTA installations of iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installations of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular MM;
- OTA installations of iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installations of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on CDMA iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G;
- OTA installations of iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installation of iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4 on iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- OTA installations of iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installations of iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4 on iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular MM
Recall that Apple separated iOS and iPadOS starting with iPadOS 13, which means that iPads running older system versions run on iOS. Interestingly, iOS 10.3.4 was released only for the iPhone 5, while the iPhone 5c was topped with iOS 10.3.3. So it’s possible that the iPhone 5 will also be affected by today’s signature changes.
It is more common for Apple to stop signing more recent versions In iOS and iPadOS, the company also stops signing older versions for older devices, usually a few days after releasing important security fixes for newer releases.
Of course, this move affects a relatively small portion of the user base. However, it still closes recovery and installation paths for users who keep older devices for testing, app compatibility, or protection.
Do you still own any of the affected devices? Let us know in the comments.
Update July 9, 3:28 PM ET: Like Aaron Perris It was mentioned in XApple continued to sign the iOS versions mentioned in the article.
As a result, owners of affected iPhone and iPad models can restore those software versions again.
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