ios_7_iconAs of today, Apple has stopped signing the iOS 7.1.2 firmware, which will prevent users from downgrading from iOS 8 back to iOS 7 (via iClarified). This means that users who are unhappy with the changes that iOS 8 have brought or unsatisfied with bugs introduced with the update will be unable to downgrade back to iOS 7.1.2.

Apple's decision to stop signing iOS 7.1.2 is not unusual, as the company often stops signing prior versions of iOS shortly after the release of a new version of iOS. iOS 8, the latest Apple mobile operating system, was released to the public on September 17.

iOS 7.1.2 does, however, remain available for iPhone 4 users, as the iOS 8 operating system can only be installed on the iPhone 4s and later.

Released on June 30, iOS 7.1.2 is the latest version of iOS 7, which included minor bug fixes, security improvements, and a fix for an email attachment encryption issue.

Top Rated Comments

149 months ago
finally, I hate when iOS is fragmented.

How does other people downgrading their devices affect your life?
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
149 months ago
This is unfortunate. Ios 7.1.2 was very stable. Ios 8 took all that and flushed it down the toilet.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
149 months ago
Thats why i now always hold off updating anything.

Until all the "bugs" are worked out I'm not updating my 4s :)
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Richardgm Avatar
149 months ago
I kept a copy of my IPSW for the 4S just in case.

Won't help. It won't sign. You'll get an error if you try to downgrade.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WolfSnap Avatar
149 months ago
I kept a copy of my IPSW for the 4S just in case.

You can't install the ipsw once Apple stops signing it. Period.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
theloon Avatar
149 months ago
Ability to downgrade on 7.1.2 much needed for older devices

Apple made a serious error allowing earlier devices to 'upgrade' to IOS 8.

iPad2 for example. It is simply not powerful enough to run IOS 8 , you are left with a paperweight and a forced upgrade to a new multi 100$ device.

Before the fanboy' bleating starts......if you added a new fuel to your car on the promise that it was ok to put it in the tank for your model, then the vehicle runs at half the power and subsequently you are told you can never go back to having it work as it did 10 minutes ago..... Yeah law suit.

Apple needs to honour the $100's of dollars you have spent on your device and enable you to return it to a useful one.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...