Apple Stops Signing iOS 16.0.3, Downgrading From iOS 16.1 No Longer Possible

Following the launch of iOS 16.1 on October 24, Apple has stopped signing iOS 16.0.3, the previously available version of iOS that launched on October 10. As iOS 16.0.3 is no longer being signed, it is no longer possible to downgrade to that version of iOS after installing iOS 16.1.

iOS 16
Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to keep their operating systems up to date, so it is not unusual that iOS 16.0.3 is no longer being signed.

iOS 16.0.3 was a smaller bug fix update that addressed bugs that were plaguing the iPhone 14 and ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro models.

The iOS 16.1 update that replaced it is much larger in scale, introducing iCloud Shared Photo Library, Live Activities for the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island, support for the Matter smart home standard, Clean Energy Charging, and more, with details available in our iOS 16.1 guide.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...

Top Rated Comments

ThomasJL Avatar
43 months ago
iOS 16.1 is a buggy mess. I wish I had stayed on 15.7 and instead updated to 15.7.1.

I learned my lesson: In the future, I will only consider updating to a new iOS or macOS when the x.2 version is released.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
szw-mapple fan Avatar
43 months ago

That practice should be illegal. My government agency doesn't OK new IOS versions for months and if a phone gets upgraded by mistake we can't go back to an older version. The phone is temporarily bricked.
If your government's IT doesn't allow new iOS versions until they give approval then they should manage the devices in a way that won't allow individual users to upgrade by themselves.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hydropsyche Avatar
43 months ago
That practice should be illegal. My government agency doesn't OK new IOS versions for months and if a phone gets upgraded by mistake we can't go back to an older version. The phone is temporarily bricked.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pdaholic Avatar
43 months ago

That practice should be illegal. My government agency doesn't OK new IOS versions for months and if a phone gets upgraded by mistake we can't go back to an older version. The phone is temporarily bricked.
How does it get upgraded by mistake? My company uses a profile that blocks upgrades and only allows the last accepted iOS version to be installed. I would have to manually delete the profile or do a complete wipe and install the newest OS. And an upgraded OS shouldn’t “brick” the phone, you just can’t use your company’s software on it until IT catches up.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sciomar Avatar
43 months ago

That practice should be illegal. My government agency doesn't OK new IOS versions for months and if a phone gets upgraded by mistake we can't go back to an older version. The phone is temporarily bricked.
Obviously an incompetent IT department within that agency. They make mobile device management software for just such a reason, preventing users from doing things. We need less government overreach in making things illegal thanks.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sorgo † Avatar
43 months ago

That practice should be illegal. My government agency doesn't OK new IOS versions for months and if a phone gets upgraded by mistake we can't go back to an older version. The phone is temporarily bricked.
Sounds like a government-agency problem :oops:
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)