Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.5 - MacRumors
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Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.5

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Apple is no longer signing iOS 18.5, which means iPhone users who have upgraded to iOS 18.6 can no longer downgrade to the prior version of iOS. iOS 18.6 was released a little over a week ago.

iOS 18
"Signing" is a server-side verification check that Apple does when a new version of iOS is downloaded on an iPhone. An update can't be downloaded and installed unless it passes the verification check, and the unsigning process prevents customers from installing outdated versions of iOS that are less secure.

Apple usually stops signing older software about a week after releasing an update, and doing so ensures that customers have the latest security improvements and are not vulnerable to known attacks.

iOS 18.6 was focused on security updates, and it addressed more than 20 vulnerabilities.

Top Rated Comments

AusMness Avatar
AusMness
9 months ago
Glad to hear. No one should still be on 18.5
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
Skyscraperfan
9 months ago

You can chose to never update if that’s what you want.
So Apple punishes you for updating by denying you the chance to return to the old version?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
segfaultdotorg
9 months ago
Sad to see all those iOS 18.5 devices headed for the landfill.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mr.steevo Avatar
mr.steevo
9 months ago
My grandkids used to ask me what it was like to use 18.5.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
chrisone
9 months ago

There should always be the option to downgrade down to the version that was installed when you bought the iPhone with your hard earned money. It does not matter if that is a wise decision. People should have the freedom to make unwise decisions.


You can chose to never update if that’s what you want.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
Skyscraperfan
9 months ago
The same problem as with windows. They often to updates for "security", but also change so many not security related things at the same time. That's why I never update windows unless it is really necessary for new hardware. What if somebody does not want liquid glass or all that AI stuff for example? There should always be the option to downgrade down to the version that was installed when you bought the iPhone with your hard earned money. It does not matter if that is a wise decision. People should have the freedom to make unwise decisions.

Apple is not trustworthy when it comes to updates. In the past several updates have slowed down old devices or reduced battery life. That might have been an intentional move to make people buy a new device. That is a very shady business practice. One week is a very short time. Many people do not want to be early adopters and instead wait a few weeks to see if the new version works well for others.

Apple should at least chance its policy and allow every customer to revert an update within four weeks after he has installed it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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