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

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...
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 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...
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...

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)
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)
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)
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)