Apple Releases New Version of iOS 9.3 for Older Devices Affected by Activation Lock Bug

Just a few days after releasing the iOS 9.3 update, Apple stopped offering it to a selection of older devices including the iPad Air and earlier and the iPhone 5s and earlier due to an activation issue. When the update was pulled, Apple promised to release a new version of iOS 9.3 shortly.

Apple today made good on that promise and has released a new version of iOS 9.3, build 13E237, which is now available for all iOS 9 users with older devices as an over-the-air update or through iTunes. Customers with older devices who had not yet updated to iOS 9.3 will be able to do so now.

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With the first version of iOS 9.3, people with older iOS devices were required to input the Apple ID and password used when originally setting up the device. If the account information could not be recalled, the activation process could stall, rendering the devices inaccessible. To prevent users from installing iOS 9.3, Apple stopped signing the update for several older devices.

Following the release of the new build, Apple has resumed signing iOS 9.3 and the update now asks for current the Apple ID and password linked to the device instead of the original information.

On Thursday night, Apple issued an updated version of iOS 9.3 specifically for the GSM iPad 2, which was afflicted with a separate activation bug that prevented the device from communicating with Apple's activation servers.

Tag: iOS 9.3
Related Forum: iOS 9

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Top Rated Comments

mountain Avatar
119 months ago
Rule #1 - shouldn't update right away and wait until users report back :)
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheHorrorNerd Avatar
119 months ago
I still don't understand how people forget their passwords so friggin often...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dilster3k Avatar
119 months ago
7 betas. 7 betas in and this version is still leaking with problems...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C DM Avatar
119 months ago
The major bug was known to Apple two days ago; they should have fixed it within 24 hours.

Sick and tired of Cook's lousy Apple quality control. Customer satisfaction, my arse.
Reality doesn't work on imaginary assumptions.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lkrupp Avatar
119 months ago
The major bug was known to Apple two days ago; they should have fixed it within 24 hours.

Sick and tired of Cook's lousy Apple quality control. Customer satisfaction, my arse.
Why haven’t you switched platforms yet? You’ve been on the rag about Apple forever it seems. Why keep using a platform you despise from a company whose CEO you despise?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lkrupp Avatar
119 months ago
Reading comprehension seems to be a serious issue for MacRumors commenters, as well as remembering the past.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)