Apple Stops Signing iOS 17.6, Downgrading No Longer an Option

Apple today stopped signing iOS 17.6, preventing iPhone users from downgrading to that version of iOS. The update is no longer being signed after Apple released iOS 17.6.1 on August 7.

iOS 17
Apple regularly stops signing older version of iOS, typically within a week or two after a new version is released. When Apple stops signing an update, it can no longer be installed on an ‌iPhone‌ due to a server-side software verification check, so those who have updated to the latest version of iOS cannot downgrade.

Preventing downgrading encourages users to keep their operating systems up to date with the latest security fixes.

iOS 17.6 focused on introducing security fixes, while iOS 17.6.1 added a fix for a bug that could prevent the enabling or disabling of Advanced Data Protection.

iOS 17.5.1 addressed a corruption bug that could cause deleted photos to reappear on an iPhone. There were no notable features in the iOS 17.6 update, with Apple adding unspecified bug fixes and security updates.

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Top Rated Comments

Populus Avatar
8 months ago

17.6.1 hurt battery life badly!!
At this point I don’t really know if you’re serious or sarcastic/joking. I think it’s the latter.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thadoggfather Avatar
8 months ago
yesss!! dont allow users the freedom to choose especially those that have bugs specific to 17.6.1

woo hoo
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Populus Avatar
8 months ago

They should release a 17.7 with bug fixes if this is to be the last version of iOS many devices get.
I doubt so. If I recall correctly, all the devices running iOS 17 will get the iOS 18 update.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrRom92 Avatar
8 months ago

I doubt so. If I recall correctly, all the devices running iOS 17 will get the iOS 18 update.
Not the case for my iPad
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrRom92 Avatar
8 months ago
They should release a 17.7 with bug fixes if this is to be the last version of iOS many devices get.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)