Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.2, Preventing Downgrading

Apple today stopped signing iOS 18.2, which means that iPhone users who have upgraded to iOS 18.2.1 can no longer downgrade to iOS 18.2. Apple released iOS 18.2.1 earlier in January.

Generic iOS 18
When new versions of iOS are released, Apple typically stops signing the prior version after a week or two. An update that is not signed is not able to be installed on an ‌iPhone‌ because there is a server-side software verification check.

By preventing downgrading to older versions of iOS, Apple ensures that users keep their devices up to date with the newest security improvements.

Apple's iOS 18.2.1 update included unspecified bug fixes, while the now-unsigned iOS 18.2 update that came out in December added Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground, Siri ChatGPT integration, and Genmoji.

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Top Rated Comments

klky Avatar
13 hours ago at 05:23 pm
I still haven't upgraded from 17.7 given the number of complaints people seem to have with iOS18 particularly the Photos App.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chungry Avatar
12 hours ago at 06:01 pm

Why would you want to, anyway?
When a point release of iOS 18 broke yubikey functionality I was locked out of my passwords and iCloud briefly. And because Apple stopped signing the previous version before I figured all this out it created a huge pain in my butt. And that's why I got rid of my personal 16 PM and got an S24 Ultra. I can't have some update flippantly borking my security. I still have my Macs, a work 16 PM and iPads. But this ruined it for my daily driver.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
code-m Avatar
12 hours ago at 06:28 pm
It’s MR going to keep posting these types of articles. Apple stops signing iOS 20.1, you won’t be able to downgrade. Seems click-bait or a filler to me to drive traffic.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Polinsky Avatar
12 hours ago at 05:46 pm

I still haven't upgraded from 17.7 given the number of complaints people seem to have with iOS18 particularly the Photos App.
The key words being "complaints people seem to have". OS 18 works very well for me. And I much prefer the new Photos app over the previous versions.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ResolutionNZ Avatar
12 hours ago at 05:53 pm

I still haven't upgraded from 17.7 given the number of complaints people seem to have with iOS18 particularly the Photos App.
iOS 18 runs ok on iPhone 13 with an A15 bionic, but is pretty slow on an SE 2020 with an A13 chip. I'd stick with 17.7 on older devices as there aren't that many advantages.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I7guy Avatar
14 hours ago at 03:55 pm
Why would you want to, anyway?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)