Apple Stops Signing iOS 16.1.2 Following iOS 16.2 Launch - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Stops Signing iOS 16.1.2 Following iOS 16.2 Launch

After the launch of iOS 16.2 on December 13, Apple has stopped signing iOS 16.1.2, the previously available version of iOS. With iOS 16.1.2 no longer being signed, it is no longer possible to downgrade to an earlier version of iOS after installing the iOS 16.2 update.

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, which means it is not unusual that the updates are no longer being signed.

iOS 16.1.2 was a minor update that added improved compatibility with wireless carriers and crash detection optimizations on iPhone 14 models.

The iOS 16.2 update that replaces it is the biggest update to iOS 16 we've seen yet, with Apple adding the Freeform app, support for Apple Music Sing, expanded iCloud encryption with Advanced Data Protection, and much more, with all of the changes outlined in our dedicated iOS 16.2 guide.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

Surprise and Shine Live Coverage Article

Apple Event Live Blog: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and More Expected

Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:10 am PDT by
Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event kicks off today at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, where we're expecting to see the foldable iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models, new AirPods 5 earphones, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across various platforms. We...
iphone duo

Apple Announces Foldable 'iPhone Duo'

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:56 am PDT by
Apple today announced the "iPhone Duo," a new kind of iPhone featuring two screens and a foldable inner display. The two halves of the iPhone Duo connect into a single continuous frame with the same aspect ratio across both displays, and Apple said the transition between open and closed is designed to feel fluid. When fully open, Apple says it is the thinnest iPhone ever made, with an...
apple surprise and shine event

Apple Event Today: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo Cheat Sheet

Tuesday September 8, 2026 10:24 am PDT by
Apple's biggest event of the year is almost here, and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the first foldable iPhone expected to headline Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the rumor mill has been running full throttle, fuelled by the biggest single design change in the life of the iPhone. To get you up to speed, here's a quick reference...

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
49 months ago
Loving iOS 16.2 so far. It's blazing fast, and well-responsive. I can't believe we're only 6 months away until we see iOS 17. Half way done :D
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DuckMe Avatar
49 months ago

Is iOS 15.7.2 still available for devices that are compatible with 16.2 though?

On my iPhone 8, I'm stuck with 15.7.1. I don't want to upgrade to 16.2 and Apple refuses to release 15.7.2 and its security updates to me. Complete crap on Apple's part! My iPhone 6s+, which I use as a backup, got the 15.7.2 release, so it's technically more secure than my newer phone. Rediculous!

15.7.2 isn’t showing up for me in software update, only 16.2. I’m on 15.7 and at least want the security fixes in 15.7.1…

Did they remove 15.7.2? I don't see that option on my 15.7.1 13 Pro :(
For those who want to update their iPhones to 15.7.2, you may have to read my guide:

[GUIDE] How to update to iOS 15.7.2 for iPhone 8/X/XR/Xs/11/12/13 ('https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/guide-how-to-update-to-ios-15-7-2-for-iphone-8-x-xr-xs-11-12-13.2373742/')


According to my calculations, you can still theoretically upgrade to iOS 15.7.2 before January 31, 2023, but you better hurry up because apple can prevent this upgrade in the next second.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
The_Auryn Avatar
49 months ago

Now you have iOS 15.7.2 and iOS 16.2 to choose from.
On my iPhone 8, I'm stuck with 15.7.1. I don't want to upgrade to 16.2 and Apple refuses to release 15.7.2 and its security updates to me. Complete crap on Apple's part! My iPhone 6s+, which I use as a backup, got the 15.7.2 release, so it's technically more secure than my newer phone. Rediculous!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zapmymac Avatar
49 months ago

So, is 16.2 good (stable) enough to update from 15.7.1?
Was thinking about waiting until 16.2.1 :)
Wait. my iPad and iPhone and tvOS are glitchy. However, the e2e option is what made me jump immediately. Gotta keep the g/f photos safe 🫣😬🤫
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
49 months ago
Apple stops signing iPhoneOS 16.2 following iPhoneOS 17 launch
-- Sent from September 2023
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
49 months ago
16.2 has been solid for me so far.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)