Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.1.1, Downgrading No Longer an Option

[MacRumors]

Apple has stopped signing iOS 18.1.1, preventing iPhone users who have upgraded to iOS 18.2 from downgrading to that version of iOS. Apple released iOS 18.2 a week ago on December 11.

Apple often stops signing an older version of iOS, usually within a week or two after a new version is released. When an update is no longer signed, it can't be installed on an ‌iPhone‌ due to a server-side software verification check.

This policy encourages users to keep their operating systems up to date, ensuring they have the latest security enhancements. Apple also stopped signing iOS 17.7.2 on Wednesday.

The iOS 18.1.1 update provided important security fixes, but no other notable changes. In contrast, the iOS 18.2 update brought several new Apple Intelligence features to compatible iPhones. You can find all the details in our comprehensive guide.

Article Link: Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.1.1, Downgrading No Longer an Option

 

[contacos]

Thankfully I was able to go back to iPadOS 17 on my iPad Air 4 by using an iOS 17 beta that was still being signed for some reason because it got unreasonable slow on iPadOS 18.

 

[BornAgainMac]

The only time I wanted to downgrade was to save some 32-bit apps and games that had no other equivalent available and the developer ghosted.

 

[winxmac]

Downgrading to iOS 17.6 beta is also no longer possible so no other way but to move forward...

The iPhone 11 Pro Max I purchased was running iOS 17.7 so I did not have to downgrade [iOS 18.x to iOS 17.6 beta], however, updating to iOS 17.7.x OTA is no longer possible... I'll just keep it on iOS 17.7 as long as possible...

 

[coffeemilktea]

As long as Genshin Impact works flawlessly on the current version of iOS, I see no reason to downgrade.

 

[nickelro]

They actually stopped signing it since yesterday.
Fingers crossed they will release 18.2.1 soon enough to correct the blue / red mess in photos while shooting in night mode at 30 sec exposure with the stock camera app. I won't hold my breath though.

 

[klasma]

The only time I wanted to downgrade was to save some 32-bit apps and games that had no other equivalent available and the developer ghosted.

I had this literally happen, i.e. the developer had died.

If only one could run an older iOS version in a VM on an iPhone. The hardware would certainly be capable enough for that.

 

[apple contributor]

Thankfully I was able to go back to iPadOS 17 on my iPad Air 4 by using an iOS 17 beta that was still being signed for some reason because it got unreasonable slow on iPadOS 18.

You think I can downgrade my Apple TV? I have the HD model, love watching shows and I am addicted to Crossy Road, which I love playing on my TV. With each new major update though, even if the new features are minimal (like this year’s InSight being the only thing), it really slows my TV down.

 

[3304614]

Good time to ask this question:

Does anybody know what to do when the software update gets stuck at “Update Requested…”?

I have been attempting to download and install iOS 18.2 for days. But each time I start it just gets stuck at “Update Requested…”.

I have tried all the obvious things of making sure there is enough free space (have over 12GB of free space). I’ve tired to turn my phone off and back on. I’ve tried to “Update Now” and “Update Tonight”. I’ve tried to let the “Automatic Updates” do its thing at night or such. I’ve also turned off Automatic Updates.

It’s been days of this! Lol. Except for this update problem, my phone doesn’t seem to be having any issues. Everything else seems fine.

The only other obvious thing I haven’t yet tried is to erase my iPhone and restore from a backup. That would, of course, be the last thing I would want to attempt. Does anybody have any other ideas of what I could do (before I try to erase and restore)?

 

[Villarrealadrian]

This should be illegal

 

[JosephAW]

Still on iOS 17.

 

[smorrissey]

Still on iOS 17.

It consumes more battery compared to a clean ios18.2 install IMO.

Having said that last night after on my ipad m4 ios 18.2 and using netflix the thing got pretty pretty warm, i don't know if the culprit is ipados or the netflix app. Restoring again today dam.

 

[lkrupp]

They actually stopped signing it since yesterday.
Fingers crossed they will release 18.2.1 soon enough to correct the blue / red mess in photos while shooting in night mode at 30 sec exposure with the stock camera app. I won't hold my breath though.

Are you stating that everyone running 18.2 is seeing this issue? It couldn’t possibly only you? Why would you assume that some issue you have is shared by all?

 

[svish]

Happens as usual. Upgraded to 18.2 and very satisfied. Battery life is also very much ok. Don't need to downgrade my devices.

 

[nickelro]

Are you stating that everyone running 18.2 is seeing this issue? It couldn’t possibly only you? Why would you assume that some issue you have is shared by all?

Nope, but I never had this issue prior updating to 18.2. And now I do, so there’s that. Other people that had the issue before 18.2 are still complaining that it only improved their night shots for a bit.

 

[Populus]

As long as Genshin Impact works flawlessly on the current version of iOS, I see no reason to downgrade.

It’s strange that there’s still no macOS version of GI tho. I searched for it on the Mac App Store, and not only it’s not there, but also developers prevented the iOS/iPadOS version from being available on the Mac App Store…

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Are you stating that everyone running 18.2 is seeing this issue? It couldn’t possibly only you? Why would you assume that some issue you have is shared by all?

Not everyone but not isolated either..

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/camera-problems-blue-smudges-lines-etc-merged.2439220/

 

[xpxp2002]

Good time to ask this question:

Does anybody know what to do when the software update gets stuck at “Update Requested…”?

I have been attempting to download and install iOS 18.2 for days. But each time I start it just gets stuck at “Update Requested…”.

I have tried all the obvious things of making sure there is enough free space (have over 12GB of free space). I’ve tired to turn my phone off and back on. I’ve tried to “Update Now” and “Update Tonight”. I’ve tried to let the “Automatic Updates” do its thing at night or such. I’ve also turned off Automatic Updates.

It’s been days of this! Lol. Except for this update problem, my phone doesn’t seem to be having any issues. Everything else seems fine.

The only other obvious thing I haven’t yet tried is to erase my iPhone and restore from a backup. That would, of course, be the last thing I would want to attempt. Does anybody have any other ideas of what I could do (before I try to erase and restore)?

See if there’s a cached update in iPhone storage. Delete it, reboot, then try again.

See the section:

Remove and download the update again​

If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support

To update your iPhone or iPad, you need a compatible device, an internet connection, and enough storage. It also helps to keep your device connected to a power source.

support.apple.com

 

[3304614]

See if there’s a cached update in iPhone storage. Delete it, reboot, then try again.

See the section:

Remove and download the update again​

If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support

To update your iPhone or iPad, you need a compatible device, an internet connection, and enough storage. It also helps to keep your device connected to a power source.

support.apple.com

Thank you for the suggestion. But nope. I didn’t have any update file listed for me to delete.

I finally gave up and updated my phone using my computer. I wanted to figure out what was wrong and how to fix it without my computer (in case it ever happened again in the future). But after days of this, I just let my computer download and install the update. On 18.2 now.

 

[skiman10]

Apple has stopped signing iOS 18.1.1, preventing iPhone users who have upgraded to iOS 18.2 from downgrading to that version of iOS. Apple released iOS 18.2 a week ago on December 11.

Apple often stops signing an older version of iOS, usually within a week or two after a new version is released. When an update is no longer signed, it can't be installed on an ‌iPhone‌ due to a server-side software verification check.

This policy encourages users to keep their operating systems up to date, ensuring they have the latest security enhancements. Apple also stopped signing iOS 17.7.2 on Wednesday.

The iOS 18.1.1 update provided important security fixes, but no other notable changes. In contrast, the iOS 18.2 update brought several new Apple Intelligence features to compatible iPhones. You can find all the details in our comprehensive guide.

Article Link: Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.1.1, Downgrading No Longer an Option

I know this is old news.

I March this year I upgraded my iphone 15 pro max from ios 17.3 to 17.4 and phone went to SOS mode (you can only use to dial 911).

Apple tech tried to trouble shoot it remotely but after an hour she gave up and advise me to Apple Store.

I did that and after trouble shooting in house the tech said he cannot fix it. Apple replaced all internals (system board, camera, battery- new serial number, IMEIs) – essentially only screen and case remained from original iphone (my system was under Apple Care).

Since then, I never upgrade ios and iPad to newest version, especially major version. I wait for minor version and upgrade few weeks after its release.

I remember years ago taking OS class – textbook author wrote that number of bugs from one OS release to next stays approximately the same. Some existing bugs are fixed and new are introduced.

Welcome to new brave world.