Apple stops signing iOS 16.0.3, downgrade from iOS 16.1 impossible

Following the public release of iOS 16.1, Apple has stopped signing iOS 16.0.3. This means it is now impossible for iPhone users can not downgrade their smartphones from the latest version.

It is common practice for the tech giant to stop signing older iOS versions after the public release of a new version to offer users a smooth experience and protect them from malicious malware or vulnerabilities, as the latest version includes new features, bug fixes, and security updates.

Downgrades from iOS 16.1 to iOS 16.0.3 are no longer possible

In early October, Apple released iOS 16.0.3 with several bug fixes, particularly for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models. It patched performance issues like notifications, low microphone volume during CarPlay use, slow camera app launch, and the Mail app crashing with a malformed email address.

Since iOS 16.1 introduces new features, bug fixes, and security improvements on iOS 16.1 like Live Activities on Lock Screen and Dynamic Island, iCloud Shared Photo Library, Clean Energy Charging, updates to Wallet, Fitness+, Home, Books, and more, Apple has stopped signing in older iOS 16.0.3 update so that users get to enjoy all the new capabilities introduced in the latest iOS version.

Furthermore, Apple also stops signing older OS versions because of jailbreak tools. Apple is against jailbreaking its devices. The company argues that users can download unapproved apps on jailbroken iPhones which could open the door for malware to weaken iOS security and jeopardize users’ privacy.

Thus, updating to the new version renders jailbreaking tools ineffective as jailbreak of the latest version is not immediately available. This way Apple ensures that all compatible devices run on the latest OS version by making it impossible to downgrade from it.