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

iPhone 18 Pro Rumored Colors

What's Coming in September: New iPhones, Apple Watches and More

Thursday August 13, 2026 4:20 pm PDT by
Apple will introduce at least five new devices at its iPhone-centric event next month, and it's also possible we'll get devices waiting on Siri AI like the Apple TV. iPhone 18 Pro The iPhone 18 Pro is going to look like the iPhone 17 Pro, but with a smaller Dynamic Island. It's getting some internal updates, including a new Wide camera with a variable aperture for more control over lighting ...
iPhone 17 One Year Later Thumb 1

Should You Buy an iPhone 17 Now or Wait for iPhone 18?

Friday August 14, 2026 12:15 pm PDT by
For the first time since Apple started selling standard and "Pro" iPhones, we're not going to get an entry-level iPhone model this fall. Apple doesn't plan to release an iPhone 18 in September, and will only launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra. The lower-cost iPhone 18 won't come out until spring 2027. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more ...
Everything New Your iPhone Can Do on iOS 27 Feature 1

30 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 27

Friday August 14, 2026 6:24 am PDT by
Apple will release iOS 27 in September, and despite the company's focus this year on refining its flagship operating system and nixing bugs, there are still many additional features on the way, not least of which is Apple's new context-aware Siri, re-tooled for the generative AI era. This year's major iPhone software update isn't all about AI, though, as the following feature list...

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
48 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
48 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
48 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
48 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)
48 months ago
Apple stops signing iPhoneOS 16.2 following iPhoneOS 17 launch
-- Sent from September 2023
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
48 months ago
16.2 has been solid for me so far.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)