Apple released iOS & iPadOS 17.6.1 just last week with important bug fixes and security improvements for iPhones and iPads alike. Unfortunately, Apple has also once again blockaded firmware downgrades by choosing to stop signing the previous firmware – iOS & iPadOS 17.6.
In doing so, it is no longer possible for iPhone and iPad owners to Option + Click the restore button in Finder for macOS or Shift + Click the restore button in iTunes for Windows and manually designate the iOS or iPadOS 17.6 firmware file while attempting to restore the device’s firmware. Instead, Apple’s servers will reject the request and urge you to update to the latest version instead.
The change also affects people who might want to upgrade to iOS 17.6.1 from an older firmware without upgrading to iOS or iPadOS 17.6.1. One way around this, however, might be to take advantage of the DelayOTA method, which allows upgrading to unsigned firmware up to 90 days past the first day of unsigning.
For most people, this isn’t an issue. However, there are people who depend on firmware downgrades and Apple’s practice of ending older firmware signing severely hinders that process.
One of the largest groups to be affected by the unsigning of older firmware is the jailbreak community, which often depends on older, outdated firmware to access kernel security holes for installing hacks and add-ons. Of course, jailbreaking isn’t the only reason why downgrades are popular – so too are those looking to get away from newly introduced bugs, such as the following cases:
While Apple has a responsibility to keep releasing firmware updates that plug security vulnerabilities, some would argue that the company takes things too far by unsigning older firmware and totally blocking access to even the most advanced users who might be perfectly fine with the risks. That said, we support the idea of downgrading firmware and think that Apple should allow it. Unfortunately, that may never happen without some form of government action forcing their hand.
If you’re ever wondering what firmware is or isn’t being signed for your iPhone or iPad, then you can check the IPSW.me online utility, which offers a user-friendly interface. You can also download any firmware file you might need from our downloads page.
Are you sad to see that iOS & iPadOS 17.6 are no longer being signed? Let us know why or why not in the comments section down below.
