Just a week after the rollout of iOS 18.3, Apple has ceased signing iOS 18.2.1. This change means users cannot downgrade to this version if their iPhone or iPad has been updated to a later one.
Apple restricts downgrade from iOS 18.3 to iOS 18.2.1
Released on January 6, iOS 18.2.1 included “significant bug fixes” – though Apple has not specified what those fixes entail. In contrast, iOS 18.3, which became available on January 27, offers enhancements to Apple Intelligence features and includes various security updates.
For example, iOS 18.3 addresses a security vulnerability in AirPlay that could have allowed attackers to trigger an “unexpected system termination or corrupt process memory” over the local network. There was also a potential issue that could lead to apps being abruptly terminated. Keeping your devices updated is crucial for ensuring they have the most recent security fixes.
Sadly, if you’re facing issues following the update to iOS 18.3, reverting to iOS 18.2.1 is no longer an option.
When Apple halts the signing of a particular iOS version, that version can no longer be installed on iPhones and iPads. This practice is intended to prevent users from downgrading to older iterations of the operating system, which may still suffer from vulnerabilities that the company has already patched. Additionally, the downgrade process is frequently associated with jailbreaking, providing another rationale for Apple to stop signing earlier iOS versions.
However, if you haven’t yet upgraded your device to iOS 18.3, you can initiate the update by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
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