Apple Stops Signing iOS 15.2 Following iOS 15.2.1 Release, Downgrading No Longer Possible

[MacRumors]

Following the release of iOS 15.2.1 earlier in January, Apple has stopped signing iOS 15.2, the previously available version of iOS that saw a public release on December 13. With iOS 15.2 no longer being signed, it is not possible to downgrade to that version if you've already updated to iOS 15.2.1.

Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to keep their operating systems up to date.

iOS 15.2 includes several notable improvements to Apple's mobile software, including App Privacy Report, Emergency SOS, Legacy Contacts, a new Apple Music Voice Plan, and more.

Meanwhile, iOS 15.2.1 addresses an issue causing Messages sent through an iCloud Link not to load and it fixes bug with third-party CarPlay apps not responding to input.

Article Link: Apple Stops Signing iOS 15.2 Following iOS 15.2.1 Release, Downgrading No Longer Possible

 

[yellow8]

Asking honestly, who needs to downgrade?

 

[Christoffee]

Asking honestly, who needs to downgrade?

Sometimes an upgrade does break something. For example, I think 15.2 broke CarPlay, and it was fixed in 15.2.1. It was a bit annoying for me, but ok. If I was in my car all day I would have gone back to 15.1.

 

[Jeaz]

Sometimes an upgrade does break something. For example, I think 15.2 broke CarPlay, and it was fixed in 15.2.1. It was a bit annoying for me, but ok. If I was in my car all day I would have gone back to 15.1.

And which is why they keep downgrading as an option for a few weeks to make sure there are no major bugs before they cut it off.

 

[44267547]

Asking honestly, who needs to downgrade?

Apple support permits ‘downgrading’ as a routine back up, if for whatever reason, they can’t troubleshoot why your phone is experiencing technical problems on the latest iOS update. (However, from my understanding; they don’t like to use downgrading if necessary, as that’s a last resort.)

As someone else alluded to, that’s why it’s an option for an extended amount of time before they cut it off.

 

[Shirasaki]

While it is no surprise by now, allowing only up to one week or two isn't going to be enough anymore IMO. At least keep the window open for a month, giving more time to find critical bugs if there is any.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I'm concerned that they are 'de-signing' these older releases far too quickly. How long will it take them to rollback after a really obnoxious update that bricks, or opens up peoples iDevices after being updated/slammed?

I used to think people that delayed updating for months were kind of paranoid, but having an update go sideways has happened. Waiting for updates to fix updates is tedious and unnecessary if the previous update is available for downgrading. Hmm...

 

[_Spinn_]

I'm glad Apple does what it can to keep iOS from becoming too fragmented but 1 week seems pretty quick to block downgrading.

 

[Sir_Macs_A_Lot]

Tim Apple, you sly dog!