Warning: iOS 17.3 Beta 2 Bricking Some iPhones

[MacRumors]

The second beta of iOS 17.3 that Apple released today is causing major issues for some iPhone owners, so users that have not yet installed the new software may want to hold off.

Image from MacStories' Federico Vittici​

As noted by reports on the MacRumors forums, Twitter, and Mastodon, some iPhone owners who have attempted to update to iOS 17.3 beta 2 have found their devices stuck in a boot loop with a blank black screen that has a frozen spinning wheel.

Restoring to the prior version of iOS 17.3 or the iOS 17.2.1 release software appears to address the problem, but users who do not have a backup may have issues with the restore process.

Not all iPhone users appear to be affected, as some iPhones updated to iOS 17.3 beta 2 have come through fine.

Apple has not yet commented on the bug, but it is likely the second iOS 17.3 beta will be pulled in the near future until the issue can be addressed.

Article Link: Warning: iOS 17.3 Beta 2 Bricking Some iPhones

 

[vertsix]

You reap what you sow!

 

[Mansu944]

Well, that's one reason to stay off the Beta's.

 

[mrat93]

Wasn’t there traces of a “recovery mode” in a beta a few years back, where a user could restore the phone without the need to connect to a PC or Mac?

Not super relevant here, but would be helpful.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

FWIW I updated mine with no issue.

Had I seen this, I would have held off though. So everyone who hasn't updated yet, probably should not.

 

[jdclifford]

I just updated 3 iPhones and 3 iPads w/o any issues.

 

[Naraxus]

It's a beta for a reason

 

[Lizzard899]

Ppl on twitter are saying its only happening to iphone 12, 13,14 and newer (so iphones 15) I bet if ppl make more noise on this there will be a patch come tomorrow or Friday. But the ones whos phones are bricked wont be able to get the patch fix though since its stuck

 

[MLVC]

Wasn’t there traces of a “recovery mode” in a beta a few years back, where a user could restore the phone without the need to connect to a PC or Mac?

Not super relevant here, but would be helpful.

Didn't see that, restored through a Mac and did a second attempt at installing beta 2 after a full restore. That one went through, so no restoring from iCloud.

 

[Lakersfan74]

You’re updating wrong

 

[SamRyouji]

If it's this serious of a possibility (I call it a possibility as shown that it's not bricking all devices but only some devices), Apple should as well call it iOS 17.3 Alpha 2

 

[Apple_Robert]

MR, you should also put a big bold warning in the other thread as well.

 

[cdsapplefan]

This why you always do a a backup before downloading new software

 

[jdavid_rp]

Bricking ≠ boot loop

 

[coffeemilktea]

Shout-out to all the people who wanted to make life a little more exciting and put this on their main device 😔

 

[Bigkool2inSC]

To avoid similar issues with a 18 beta around this time next year, let’s cancel Christmas and new years vacation days for Apple QA team that approves the betas for release.

 

[DevyniColiai]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

 

[Bigkool2inSC]

You say bricked phones, I hear job security.

I bet Best Buy and Apple stores are packed right now.

 

[Timpetus]

Bricking is a very specific term, and this is not that. If you were unable to boot or restore the iPhone at all, as in DFU mode cannot even be activated, that would count as a bricked device. Thread title should be "Warning: iOS 17.3 Beta 2 May Install Unsuccessfully on Some iPhones, Backup Before Updating" or something to that effect.

 

[avheatherim]

This is the new Ultra Low Screentime Mode!

 

[Jdizzle188]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

iOS 17.3 Beta 2 (Taylors Version)

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

You say bricked phones, I hear job security.

I bet Best Buy and Apple stores are packed right now.

Last I remember, apple doesn’t service phones running betas.
Even if they will, they’ll still probably just give you the advice… To not run a beta.

 

[contacos]

I thought „bricking it“ meant there was no way to even restore it? Hence, turning it into nothing but a „brick“

 

[bwcw]

I just updated my iPhone 15 Pro with no problems. Working fine with iOS 17.3 B2

 

[kid1230]

It's a beta for a reason

same old excuse LOL