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Apple Stops Signing iOS 16.2 Following iOS 16.3 Launch, Downgrading No Longer Possible

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Following the launch of iOS 16.3 on January 23, Apple is no longer signing iOS 16.2, the previously available version of iOS. Now that Apple has stopped signing iOS 16.2, it is no longer possible to downgrade to that version of iOS after installing the iOS 16.3 update.

iOS 16
Apple routinely stops signing older versions of iOS after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to keep their operating systems up to date, so it is not unusual that the iOS 16.2 update is no longer being signed.

iOS 16.2 was a significant update that added Apple Music Sing, the Freeform app, Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, and more. iOS 16.3 introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, changes to Emergency SOS, and it adds support for the new HomePod model.

Apple is expected to release the first beta of iOS 16.4 in the near future, but as of now, iOS 16.3 is the only available version of iOS 16. Apple has also stopped signing iOS 15.7.2 and iOS 12.5.6 following the release of iOS 15.7.3 and iOS 12.5.7 security updates earlier in January.

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Top Rated Comments

thejadedmonkey Avatar
thejadedmonkey
40 months ago
16.2, 16.3, doesn't matter, they all have the same horrid backgrounds. Gimme 15-point-whatever back, I want my backgrounds that animate on press.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
sorgo †
40 months ago

It's still hot and steaming, give it a minute.
A turd is a turd...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
svish
40 months ago
Was expecting this as usual. Not facing any issues with 16.3
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1
1557750
40 months ago
I wish I could quit signing things.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
Skyscraperfan
40 months ago
The word "downgrading" implies that you go back to something worse. If you are a Windows user, you know though that sometimes upgrades feel more like downgrades. That also is true for Instagram apps for example that get worse and worse with every version. Imagine after months you discover something that got really worse and you can't go back to the previous version. Resetting to the version your phone came with should always be possible, because that is the phone you bought and paid for.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
Johnny Jackhammer
40 months ago
I always want to downgrade once I realize my iPhone feels far slower than it was when I purchased it. Wish I could compare the latest iOS it to the original OS. Apple has made sure we can’t do that. Bundling security updates with every iOS upgrade - genius. Apple just keeps figuring out ways to keep those sales going.

Love the MacRumors disclaimer normalizing the practice. “Nothing to see here folks”
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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