update: Since this article was originally published, Apple has stopped signing additional devices. The updated list can be found below.
iPhone and iPad users who are still using older devices will no longer be able to restore or downgrade to some older iOS versions starting today. Here are the details:
Only older iPhones and iPads are affected
As Aaron Perris pointed out in X, Apple has stopped over-the-air (OTA) signing and direct IPSW installation for some older iPads and iPhones.
This means that starting today, Apple will no longer verify:
- OTA installation of iOS 8.4.1 on GSM and CDMA iPhone 5, plus IPSW installation of iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4.
- IPSW installs iOS 10.3.3 on GSM and CDMA iPhone 5c.
- OTA installation of iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installation of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular.
- OTA installation of iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installation of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular MM.
- OTA installation of iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 8.4.1 and IPSW installation of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on CDMA iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G.
As a reminder, Apple split iOS and iPadOS starting with iPadOS 13. This means that iPads running older system versions will run iOS. Interestingly, iOS 10.3.4 was released only on the iPhone 5, while the iPhone 5c had iOS 10.3.3. Therefore, the iPhone 5 may also be affected by today’s signature change.
It’s common for Apple to stop signing newer versions of iOS and iPadOS, but the company also sometimes stops signing older versions for legacy devices, usually days after releasing a critical security fix for a new release.
Of course, this move will affect a relatively small percentage of the user base. However, the restore and installation path remains closed for users who keep legacy devices for testing, app compatibility, or storage.
Do you still own an affected device? Let us know in the comments.
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