Apple Stops Signing iOS 10.2.1 and iOS 10.3 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Stops Signing iOS 10.2.1 and iOS 10.3

by

IPSWFollowing the release of iOS 10.3.1 on April 3, Apple has stopped signing iOS 10.2.1 and iOS 10.3, earlier versions of iOS that were previously available to consumers before the latest update was released.

Customers who have upgraded to iOS 10.3.1 will no longer be able to downgrade their devices to iOS 10.2.1 or iOS 10.3.

Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to stay up to date.

iOS 10.3.1 is now the only version of iOS 10 that can be installed on iOS devices by the general public, but developers and public beta testers can also download iOS 10.3.2, a future update that is currently being beta tested.

Top Rated Comments

Scottsoapbox Avatar
Scottsoapbox
121 months ago

Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to stay up to date.
Stopping signing the last version after 1 week is ridiculous. It should be in the 3-12 month range and/or some reasonable number of point updates.

I'm all for encouraging updates, but Apple has gotten downright hostile about being on THE latest version between this and the update nag screens that try to trick people into updating.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
Ries
121 months ago
Stopping signing the last version after 1 week is ridiculous. It should be in the 3-12 month range and/or some reasonable number of point updates.

I'm all for encouraging updates, but Apple has gotten downright hostile about being on THE latest version between this and the update nag screens that try to trick people into updating.
Fixes a wifi flaw allowing malicious people to send code to your phone and execute it, you don't want to be running 10.3.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anthonyjr Avatar
anthonyjr
121 months ago
Stopping signing the last version after 1 week is ridiculous. It should be in the 3-12 month range and/or some reasonable number of point updates.

I'm all for encouraging updates, but Apple has gotten downright hostile about being on THE latest version between this and the update nag screens that try to trick people into updating.
Because the newest update patched some major security issues, I could definitely understand why Apple has decided to stop signing the original 10.3. I don't see a reason to keep adding to the liability. I'd rather it be this way.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
logicstudiouser Avatar
logicstudiouser
121 months ago
I'm still waiting to be able to restore devices that no longer receive updates to whatever version of iOS they can support. Apple has no argument against it.
Actually they do, money.
As older devices are upgraded to new iOS versions, they slow down, forcing users to upgrade their device. Try running an iPhone 5 in iOS 10 vs iOS 6. They don't want you to downgrade to have a smooth experience with your current device, they want you to spend more money on their devices.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Avenged110 Avatar
Avenged110
121 months ago
I'm still waiting to be able to restore devices that no longer receive updates to whatever version of iOS they can support. Apple has no valid argument against it.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stiligFox Avatar
stiligFox
121 months ago
Something to keep in mind is that 10.3 changes the file system from HFS+ to APFS, so downgrading is a worse idea than it usually was.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
Read Full Article • 120 comments
Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
Read Full Article • 175 comments
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 6 U.S. States

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:29 am PDT 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. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards,...
Read Full Article