Apple Stops Signing iOS 16.2 Following iOS 16.3 Launch, Downgrading No Longer Possible

[MacRumors]

Following the launch of iOS 16.3 on January 23, Apple is no longer signing iOS 16.2, the previously available version of iOS. Now that Apple has stopped signing iOS 16.2, it is no longer possible to downgrade to that version of iOS after installing the iOS 16.3 update.

Apple routinely stops signing older versions of iOS after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to keep their operating systems up to date, so it is not unusual that the iOS 16.2 update is no longer being signed.

iOS 16.2 was a significant update that added Apple Music Sing, the Freeform app, Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, and more. iOS 16.3 introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, changes to Emergency SOS, and it adds support for the new HomePod model.

Apple is expected to release the first beta of iOS 16.4 in the near future, but as of now, iOS 16.3 is the only available version of iOS 16. Apple has also stopped signing iOS 15.7.2 and iOS 12.5.6 following the release of iOS 15.7.3 and iOS 12.5.7 security updates earlier in January.

Article Link: Apple Stops Signing iOS 16.2 Following iOS 16.3 Launch, Downgrading No Longer Possible

 

[dominiongamma]

Waiting for the comments “Apple shouldn’t allow to block downgrading”

 

[BornAgainMac]

The only time I wanted to downgrade was to play a 32-bit game that was never updated in the Appstore. Going from a 64-bit modern iOS to an older 64-bit modern iOS isn't something I am worried about.

 

[Realityck]

Apple is expected to release the first beta of iOS 16.4 in the near future, but as of now, iOS 16.3 is the only available version of iOS 16.

Maybe Feb 1st as its 2 weeks from Jan 18th 16.3 iOS RC to Devs/PB testers.

 

[now i see it]

Good riddance

 

[thejadedmonkey]

16.2, 16.3, doesn't matter, they all have the same horrid backgrounds. Gimme 15-point-whatever back, I want my backgrounds that animate on press.

 

[Johnny Jackhammer]

I always want to downgrade once I realize my iPhone feels far slower than it was when I purchased it. Wish I could compare the latest iOS it to the original OS. Apple has made sure we can’t do that. Bundling security updates with every iOS upgrade - genius. Apple just keeps figuring out ways to keep those sales going.

Love the MacRumors disclaimer normalizing the practice. “Nothing to see here folks”

 

[antiprotest]

I always want to downgrade once I realize my iPhone feels far slower than it was when I purchased it. Wish I could compare the latest iOS it to the original OS. Apple has made sure we can’t do that. Bundling security updates with every iOS upgrade - genius. Apple just keeps figuring out ways to keep those sales going.

Love the MacRumors disclaimer normalizing the practice. “Nothing to see here folks”

There are two theories. Yours is malice or greed. Mine is total, utter, incredible incompetence. Apple wants to write good software. They just can't measure up.

 

[redbeard331]

Apple shouldn’t allow to block downgrading.

 

[ambientdaw]

Maybe I will still wait a couple more weeks on this one.....

 

[BGPL]

It's still hot and steaming, give it a minute.

 

[sorgo †]

It's still hot and steaming, give it a minute.

A turd is a turd...

 

[CarAnalogy]

It's still hot and steaming, give it a minute.

It’s been hot and steaming since 16.0. I wish I hadn’t upgraded, I’ve noticed no improvement and only downgrades. The lock screen wasn’t worth the ads in the TV app. And they’re still releasing security updates for the 15 line.

 

[1557750]

I wish I could quit signing things.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Sad! Bring back iPhoneOS 13, it was the best!

 

[bradl]

The only time I wanted to downgrade was to play a 32-bit game that was never updated in the Appstore. Going from a 64-bit modern iOS to an older 64-bit modern iOS isn't something I am worried about.

Now you know why I never updated my iPad Mini 4 from 10.3.3. I have quite a few 32-bit games on it that are not getting an update, and as iOS 11 drops 32-bit support, I'm not upgrading that one ever.

BL.

 

[svish]

Was expecting this as usual. Not facing any issues with 16.3

 

[ThomasJL]

Good riddance.

I have no idea how buggy iOS 16.3 is, but 16.2 was a mess and I’m glad to see it go.

 

[Wildkraut]

Waiting for the comments “Apple shouldn’t allow to block downgrading”

They will be forced, it’s included in EU’s Right-To-Repair act.

 

[Skyscraperfan]

The word "downgrading" implies that you go back to something worse. If you are a Windows user, you know though that sometimes upgrades feel more like downgrades. That also is true for Instagram apps for example that get worse and worse with every version. Imagine after months you discover something that got really worse and you can't go back to the previous version. Resetting to the version your phone came with should always be possible, because that is the phone you bought and paid for.

 

[Razorpit]

Still on 15 after reading all the issues with 16. With age comes wisdom and patience. 😁

 

[GraXXoR]

They will be forced, it’s included in EU’s Right-To-Repair act.

Interesting... First I've heard of this... Do you have any links to any up-to-date news?
The US right to repair act was basically sabotaged into impotency.

 

[cyanite]

They will be forced, it’s included in EU’s Right-To-Repair act.

Maybe, but I suspect it's not that simple. For example, it's not reasonable to expect Apple to continue to provide services (i.e. iCloud and so on) to devices with known security flaws.

 

[KENESS]

Not sure if this applies to HomePod software v16.2 as well? I would assume so.

I use HomeKit quite extensively, and was lucky in that HomePod OS (what is it called now...?) 16.2 plus iOS 16.2 plus macOS 13.1 all worked flawlessly for me, even after I upgraded to the new HomeKit architecture.

But when my HomePod's automatically upgraded to 16.3 when it came out, everything went to pot. My HomeKit fell to pieces. I upgraded all my other devices as I know HomeKit likes everything to be current, but it didn't help.

I downgraded my HomePods back to 16.2, and even though everything else is still upgraded, HomeKit once again works flawlessly.

I'm glad I did it, as I assume this news related to HomePod OS 16.2 as well. In fact, I have two HomePod minis that are still in the box that I haven't installed yet, but knowing that un-signing day was coming, I went ahead and opened them and "restored" them to 16.2 and set them back aside until I'm ready.

Hopefully 16.4 will be safe. I do like to keep up to date. (And the "There's an upgrade available!" banner every time I go to the Home app is super annoying.) macOS updates have never really bit me in the butt before, nor have iOS or iPadOS updates.

But every time there is new software for the HomePod, I worry, because Apple breaks HomeKit like it's their favorite hobby.

 

[Mimiron]

Upgraded an old iPhone 12 to iOS 16.3 and it's extremely laggy, even the animation when you return to the home screen lags out. I don't know if Apple is again throttling phones so that people upgrade, but I have no problems whatsoever on my 13 Pro Max. The 12 is set up as new and has nothing on it except for stock apps.