Apple Stops Signing iOS 9.2.1, Downgrading From iOS 9.3 No Longer Possible - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Stops Signing iOS 9.2.1, Downgrading From iOS 9.3 No Longer Possible

by

ios93As of today, Apple has stopped signing iOS 9.2.1 for compatible iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, meaning users can no longer upgrade or downgrade to that version of iOS using iTunes. Apple is now signing iOS 9.3 and iOS 9.3.1 only.

iOS 9.3 was released to the public on March 21, and iOS 9.3.1 was released 10 days later on March 31.

iOS 9.3 has suffered from several bugs since it was released, which may have prompted some users to downgrade to the more stable iOS 9.2.1 release. An Activation Lock issue on some older devices caused Apple to temporarily pull the iOS 9.3 update for some users shortly after iOS 9.3 launched, and the iOS 9.3.1 update was released to fix a second major bug that caused apps to crash or freeze after tapping or long pressing on a web link. Both issues have now been solved.

Top Rated Comments

Pakaku Avatar
136 months ago
inb4 people start complaining about how they don't like what Apple does despite the fact that they do that every time a new update is released.
I still think not being able to downgrade to an older major version is pretty inconvenient.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
136 months ago
Incredibly cheeky of Apple with 9.3 still in flux.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
136 months ago
inb4 people start complaining about how they don't like what Apple does despite the fact that they do that every time a new update is released.
Well maybe they wouldn't complain if Apple's updates didn't screw up their phones and introduce new bugs. Like the browser crashing when visiting websites. This is not trivial.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
136 months ago
Incredibly cheeky of Apple with 9.3 still in flux.
Speaking of flux, I love the night shift feature!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
136 months ago
I've got nothing to complain about… still on iOS8 for my devices.
Honestly, for me personally, iOS 9 blows iOS 8 out of the water. iOS 8 had too many glitches/issues for me. iOS 9 fixed all of those issues.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JosephAW Avatar
136 months ago
They should allow any version to be signed and installed.
Yes I know they are not updating older iOS' but the user should be allowed to choose for various reasons like compatibility or testing software or 32 bit desktop hardware like me. iOS 8.4.1 is working fine for me on my iPhone 6.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Gradient 16x9 1

Apple Just Made an Extremely Rare Product Announcement

Thursday August 27, 2026 7:58 am PDT by
The new Mac mini and Mac Studio models unveiled by Apple this week are the company's first new Macs announced in August since 2020. It is extremely rare for Apple to announce new products of any kind in August, excluding smaller things like new color options and accessories. As mentioned, Apple's last notable August product announcement was in 2020, when it updated the 27-inch iMac and a...
Surprise and Shine Feature

Apple Event Announced for September 9: 'Surprise and Shine'

Wednesday August 26, 2026 9:02 am PDT by
Apple plans to hold its annual iPhone-centric event on Wednesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with select members of the media invited to attend. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The September 2026 iPhone event will see Apple announce the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the ...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Unveiled Four New Products Today

Tuesday August 25, 2026 8:39 am PDT by
Apple today unveiled a new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chip options, a new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip options, a new version of the Polishing Cloth with a lower price, and updated Magic Keyboards for Macs. To learn more about these products, read our coverage below: Apple Announces New Mac Mini With M6 and M5 Pro Chips and More Apple Unveils New Mac Studio With M5 Max and M5...