iOS 26.4 No Longer Signed by Apple, Blocking Downgrades From iOS 26.4.1

[MacRumors]

Apple today stopped signing iOS 26.4, so iPhone users who have updated to iOS 26.4.1 are no longer able to downgrade to the earlier version of iOS. iOS 26.4.1 came out a week ago.

When software is "signed," it means it can pass the server-side verification check that Apple does when a user downloads a new version of iOS on an iPhone. An update that's not signed can't be installed because it won't pass the verification check.

Apple does not show users earlier versions of iOS after an upgrade has been released, but when software is still signed, it is possible to downgrade with the macOS Finder app on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on a Windows PC.

Unsigning software prevents Apple customers from installing outdated, less secure versions of iOS, and Apple typically stops signing an update a week or so after new software comes out.

iOS 26.4.1 fixed iCloud syncing issues and Stolen Device Protection on enterprise devices. While iOS 26.4.1 is the current publicly available version of iOS, Apple is also beta testing an iOS 26.5 update.

Article Link: iOS 26.4 No Longer Signed by Apple, Blocking Downgrades From iOS 26.4.1

 

[DocMultimedia]

I'd like the button to downgrade to iOS 18. On my iphone and watch. I really think the watch bothers me even more at this point. But both are miserable.

 

[now i see it]

If they allowed downgrading - we'd all be on iOS 9

 

[micahtechdev]

If they allowed downgrading - we'd all be on iOS 9

Who's we?

 

[micahtechdev]

I literally have a whole video essay proving that downgrading does not compromise security at all.

 

[Howard2k]

I literally have a whole video essay proving that downgrading does not compromise security at all.

Laughs in Mythos.

But seriously - some sources have stated that Apple does/may delay security updates for older OSs. Are you saying this is definitely not true?

 

[Candlelight]

I think I'm still running 17 on mine. None of the features in 18 work on my phone so never bothered to upgrade.

 

[tonmischa]

I like that Juli included the explanation about what signing is and what Apple is using it for.
🙏

 

[svish]

Happens always and was expected. I have not yet updated my devices. Will update soon.

 

[-BigMac-]

I'd like the button to downgrade to iOS 18. On my iphone and watch. I really think the watch bothers me even more at this point. But both are miserable.

This. I’m still hopeful for one ipsw signed 18 update

 

[moodler]

Wonder if we'll see an uptick of security fixes with Claude Mythos around ...

 

[patrikbohm]

I tryed yesterday. Not signed file search. iPad 8th (wifi) not working on Ios26 perfectly. please help to downgrade 😭Very bugs and slow system.

 

[realLucaR]

If they allowed downgrading - we'd all be on iOS 9

iOS 9? Nah I'd be going all the way to iOS 6.

 

[micahtechdev]

Laughs in Mythos.

But seriously - some sources have stated that Apple does/may delay security updates for older OSs. Are you saying this is definitely not true?

Apple is usually pretty consistent with updating the prior release with the same security updates as the latest. iOS 18 has been consistently receiving updates. (26.4.2 and 18.7.8 released on the same day)

 

[Howard2k]

Apple is usually pretty consistent with updating the prior release with the same security updates as the latest. iOS 18 has been consistently receiving updates. (26.4.2 and 18.7.8 released on the same day)

Yep, usually, often, but not always.