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

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Apr 12, 2001
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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.

iphonelineupguide-gradient-background.jpg

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."

Update 12:40 pm: Apple is once again signing iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 18.7.4, so these can once again be installed. iOS 16.7.13 remains unsigned, suggesting Apple has determined the issue is limited to only that release.

Article Link: Apple Stops Signing Newly Released iOS Updates for Older iPhones [Updated]
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/28/apple-stops-signing-newly-released-ios-updates/
Last edited:
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Was banging my head against the wall all morning trying to get the damn thing to install on a 7. Recovery, DFU, nothing. Then checked out https://ipsw.me/ and they were showing the latest release as not signed. Thanks for confirming MR. 😡
 
MacRumors said:


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.

iphonelineupguide-b.jpg

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
Click to expand...
I’m not sure the iPhone 11 and SE 2nd gen should be affected, as they already support iOS 26… are they still receiving iOS 18 updates in 2026? I thought Apple had stopped providing iOS 18 updates to devices capable of running iOS 26…
 
I don't get it.

"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.
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max"


    All the models above can run iOS 26.
 
MacTech68 said:
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) :confused:
Click to expand...
Here in Spain they are still keeping 3G, 4G and 5G. And sometimes when you’re on the inside of a building with poor coverage, the phone drops to 3G to maintain a basic internet connection, although very very slow.
 
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MacTech68 said:
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) :confused:
Click to expand...
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
 
zoozx said:
I pay big money for something and it should be supported much longer.
Click to expand...
Nothing new got cut off here. They did an update so you could still use iMessage and FaceTime, so the old versions that won't have iMessage and FaceTime access aren't going to be able to be downloaded anymore. That's good news.

And do you really pay them big money if you are still counting on updates for phones that are 5+ years old? Do software engineers only get paid once every 5 years? They promised 5 years of software updates and are exceeding that for many devices still.
 
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“iOS 26.2.1 remains available to download, suggesting it has not been affected by the issue.”
Click to expand...

iOS 26 is not currently showing up as available for me in Software Update on my iPhone 13.

It just says “iOS 18.7.2 - iOS is up to date”.

(Yay!)
 
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MacTech68 said:
I believe the UK kept 2G going precisely for that reason (though IIRC they're now considering turning it off) :confused:
Click to expand...

podycust said:
2G here in UK is going to be started to be switched off from 2029
Click to expand...

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.
 
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