Apple Stops Signing Newly Released iOS Updates for Older iPhones [Updated]

[bogdanw]

The updates were intended to keep core system services functioning on devices that no longer receive major iOS releases, as well as fix an issue preventing some devices from being able to make emergency calls. Affected iPhone models include the following:

• iPhone SE (2nd generation)

Besides iOS 26.2.1, there was no other update for iPhone SE (2nd generation) and there isn't going to be.

 

[fathergll]

iPhone 13 mini master race checking in. We still got life!

 

[HouseLannister]

iPhone 13 mini master race checking in. We still got life!

 

[justanotherdave]

They NEVER should have turned off 2G and 3G here. There is no fall-back anymore, and the new systems don't play nice with all the variations of handsets. Go figure. What a stupid mess.

I believe the UK kept 2G going precisely for that reason (though IIRC they're now considering turning it off) 😕

BMW had this problem when I worked for them. Certain cars had telecommunication modules using older network protocols and when network providers turned them off vehicle services stopped working.

They couldn’t simply flash the module and a full replacement was required to restore online services.

I see no reason why old cellular equipment that was still functioning should be turned off. Unless it was horribly unreliable and required constant maintenance/repairs.

 

[MacTech68]

Tbh I think it’s just we just super slow lol

3G only recently got fully turned off here o2 being the last I think?

2G here in UK is going to be started to be switched off from 2029

The reason 2G still exists in the UK is there’s a lot of old embedded devices around the place (vending machines, environmental sensors, parking meters, security alarms, etc) that depend on it and will take a long time to replace.

That said, OfCom has mandated that 2G networks be shut down by 2033 at the latest, and the carriers have agreed to this.

At least this gives UK providers an opportunity to learn from our mistake. Oh, wait... 😂

 

[olavsu1]

yeahh, XS max can download the update but can't verify it.

that is the cause of this problem then....

EDIT: it seems solved now.

 

[svish]

A very serious bug. Always better to wait for a few days before updating. It becomes extremely difficult to deal with such issues. Hope Apple releases a fix soon.

 

[shamino]

I completely understand if the update is borking some cellular connectivity, but why block it for Wi-Fi devices?

My iPod Touch had no problem upgrading to 15.8.6 and is working fine. But a few days later, when I tried to upgrade my iPad Air 2 to the same version, it is failing. I assume because of the lack of signing.

But they could make the error more meaningful. When I try to install it, I see:

Unable to Verify Update

iPadOS 15.8.6 failed verification
because you are no longer connected
to the Internet.

If the problem is because the update isn't signed, then why are you telling me I have no Internet connection. It's flat-out wrong and incredibly misleading.

Update: As of 4:30pm, Eastern time, I was able to upgrade that iPad Air2. So Apple has resumed signing, at least for some devices.

But that error message is still incredibly misleading.

 

[Piggyhero2006]

Apple has stopped signing several iOS updates released earlier this week, preventing users from installing them even if they still appear in Software Update. The affected versions include iOS 12, iOS 15, iOS 16, and iOS 18.

On Monday, Apple released iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8 for older iPhone models, along with iPadOS 15.8.6, iPadOS 16.7.3, and iPadOS 18.7.4 for iPad models.

The updates were intended to keep core system services functioning on devices that no longer receive major iOS releases, as well as fix an issue preventing some devices from being able to make emergency calls. Affected iPhone models include the following:

• iPhone SE (1st generation)
  
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 5s
  
• iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
  
• iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus
  
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
  
• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
  
• iPhone X
  
• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
  
• iPhone XR
  
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
  
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

The following iPad models are also affected:

• iPad mini 2
  
• iPad mini 3
  
• iPad Air
  
• iPad Air 2
  
• iPad mini 4
  
• iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
  
• iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (1st generation)
  
• iPad (5th generation)
  
• iPad (7th generation)
  
• iPad (8th generation)

None of the updates address security vulnerabilities or introduce new features. According to Apple's release notes for the iOS 12 and iOS 15 updates, the main purpose is to replace an expiring security certificate. Without that replacement, services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple Account sign-in would stop working after January 2027, when the original certificate expires.

Apple has not explained why it stopped signing the updates. In the past, however, the company has prevented installations of newly released iOS versions after discovering bugs or other issues, and then typically re-enabled updates once revised builds become available. iOS 26.2.1 remains available to download, suggesting it has not been affected by the issue. We'll update this article when we learn more.

Update: In a support document, spotted by 9to5Mac, Australia telecommunications company Telstra says that it is "currently investigating an issue preventing some older Apple devices from connecting to our network, including calls to 000. We're working on this as a priority with Apple and will share updates as we have them. We recommend customers using these devices delay updating the software on their device until we confirm the issue is resolved."

Article Link: Apple Stops Signing Newly Released iOS Updates for Older iPhones

My iPhone X is now “bricked” because as soon as I heard the update was bad I DFU restored back to 16.7.12 not knowing my phone made a backup of 16.7.13 last night. Now I can’t restore from the backup because it requires me to update to 16.7.13 but it can’t because it’s not signed anymore. Thanks Apple 🙂

 

[varga]

I have had an error updating on my iPhone 6S Plus just today, but out of curiosity I switched off date and time automatic setup on my phone and changed the date to yesterday (27.1). Following this change the update went through without a hitch - now I have 15.8.6!

 

[Piggyhero2006]

I have had an error updating on my iPhone 6S Plus just today, but out of curiosity I switched off date and time automatic setup on my phone and changed the date to yesterday (27.1). Following this change the update went through without a hitch - now I have 15.8.6!

I think it’s because Apple just resigned 15.8.6

 

[aussie-reader]

They NEVER should have turned off 2G and 3G here. There is no fall-back anymore, and the new systems don't play nice with all the variations of handsets. Go figure. What a stupid mess.

I believe the UK kept 2G going precisely for that reason (though IIRC they're now considering turning it off) 😕

I think the UK also had lots of 2G/3G based smart meters for electricity which would have stopped until they could be upgraded to support 5G and of course the mobile networks needed adequate 5G coverage in the same locations. Walking around with your mobile to get a signal is a lot easier than trying to drag your house down the street so you can get your power back on.

 

[MacTech68]

I think the UK also had lots of 2G/3G based smart meters for electricity which would have stopped until they could be upgraded to support 5G and of course the mobile networks needed adequate 5G coverage in the same locations. Walking around with your mobile to get a signal is a lot easier than trying to drag your house down the street so you can get your power back on.

Ahhh - so when it involves somebody's revenue, it makes a difference. Somebody big enough, that is. 😉

 

[Gengar]

They NEVER should have turned off 2G and 3G here. There is no fall-back anymore, and the new systems don't play nice with all the variations of handsets. Go figure. What a stupid mess.

I believe the UK kept 2G going precisely for that reason (though IIRC they're now considering turning it off) 😕

IDK. Here in America, I have devices on all three major carriers, and the only one that has ever had network issues connecting to 5G is the Verizon one. 5G has been great on T-Mobile and AT&T.

 

[JosephAW]

All those apple fans still rocking with a iPhone 8. That was one of their best phones, very snappy. 😛 📱

 

[MacTech68]

All those apple fans still rocking with a iPhone 8. That was one of their best phones, very snappy. 😛 📱

So far all my required apps still work (banking, govt, firefox, cheap webcam).

It used to be the GF's until she cracked the front glass - digitizer is still intact & battery still pushing 85% life. Got her a used 12 Pro Max, pristine in original box, happily on 26.2 until this all blows over. 😂

Just updated my old 6s to 15.8.6 for the fun of it. 🙄

 

[platinumaqua]

BMW had this problem when I worked for them. Certain cars had telecommunication modules using older network protocols and when network providers turned them off vehicle services stopped working.

They couldn’t simply flash the module and a full replacement was required to restore online services.

I see no reason why old cellular equipment that was still functioning should be turned off. Unless it was horribly unreliable and required constant maintenance/repairs.

The older cellular network may be using the same frequencies the newer networks need, so they have to turn off the old network for the new network to work.