Boot loop on iPhone 6s when using Apple Configurator 2 to install iOS 11.3.1

[reilogix]

My job includes preparing iPhones using Apple Configurator 2. I recently upgraded a brand new iPhone 6s from version 11.3 to version 11.3.1 using Apple Configurator. The phone is stuck in a boot loop. I have unsuccessfully tried both an iTunes restore via USB, and a DFU restore via USB. Error codes 2006 and 2009, and no joy. I spoke with Apple support and they actually confirmed this scenario is an issue. I will post their fix below. Interestingly, I used the same Apple configurator to update some iPhone 5s’ and some iPhone 6 devices with no issue. Presumably this will be fixed in 11.3.2 but for now, do not use AC2 to update an iPhone 6s to 11.3.1.
[doublepost=1524804381][/doublepost]Here is the email response from Apple:
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Peter,

I did some more research and sure enough, you’re not the only one unable to install iOS 11.3.1 via Apple Configurator 2, specially if Content Caching is enabled.

I've attached below suggested workaround, please try it and let me know if the issue persist.

Workaround:
- Download IPSW using iTunes and copy file to the Configurator Group Container location in ~/Library/Group Containers/K36BKF7T3D.group.com.apple.configurator/Library/Caches/Firmware/

Kind regards,

******

 

[honglong1976]

does the same thing happen with Apple Configurator 1 and/or with iPads?
I work in education and sometimes have to build iPads using Apple Configurator which are then added to Meraki.

 

[reilogix]

I'm not sure about other devices, but here is Apple's response:

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We have 2 workarounds, and I can schedule callback to assist.

Easy workaround:
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- If enabled, turn off Content caching located inside System Preferences, click Sharing, deselect content Caching. Then try updating using Apple Configurator 2.7.
Apple Knowledge Base Article: Manage content caching: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/manage-content-caching-mchl3b6c3720/mac

Long Workaround:
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1. Connect iOS device to iTunes via USB, select it, then click Check for Update.

2. After update is complete, find and copy IPSW file to Desktop.
- On a Mac: Click Go on the menu bar, Click Go to Folder, paste following ~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates
Apple Knowledge Base Article: macOS Sierra: What’s in the menu bar?: https://support.apple.com/kb/PH25077?locale=en_US

3. Navigate to and copy IPSW here: Click Go on the menu bar, Click Go to Folder, paste following> ~/Library/Group Containers/K36BKF7T3D.group.com.apple.configurator/
Apple Knowledge Base Article: Preserve or migrate data for Apple Configurator 2: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207434

4. Update or Restore with Apple Configurator 2.7 after coping IPSW.

Kind regards,
***************************************************

 

[reilogix]

“Hilarious” update: I returned the phone through our Apple business team (by mail) because Apple Senior Advisors still could not fix it. Then I get an email from them saying that I returned an iPhone box with no phone in it. So some poor idiot at the repair depot stole a bricked phone. Chumps.