With the official release of iOS and iPadOS 16.1.1 a few weeks ago and the release of iOS 16.1.2 just last week, Apple took the predictable step this evening of resigning iOS and iPadOS 16.1 and 16.1.1.
Regular unsigning of old Apple firmware is Apple’s strategic method to force a firmware update rather than a downgrade when restoring a device or attempting to install a different version of iOS or iPadOS on it.
Installing unsigned firmware is still technically possible using non-traditional methods such as futurerestore or DelayOTA, however Apple unsigning firmware does intentional downgrading via Finder on macOS or iTunes on Windows using the Option or Shift key method when pressing the “Restore”button “. causes Apple’s servers to reject requests to install vulnerable versions.
When Apple unsigns older firmware, the jailbreak community usually suffers the most. This is because unsigned versions of iOS or iPadOS are usually vulnerable to exploits used in hacks, so a forced update undermines this.
Aside from jailbreaking, downgrading the firmware is sometimes the only way to avoid a recent bug when it infiltrates Apple’s mobile operating system. Although rare, bugs can be so severe as to affect the usability of the device. Examples include the following:
- iOS 16.0 excessively prompts users for clipboard access when pasting copied content into another app
- iOS 14.7 breaks the ability to unlock the Apple Watch using the Touch ID sensor of the host iPhone.
- iOS and iPadOS 13.2 impose incredibly aggressive background control on apps running in the background.
By blocking users from voluntarily downgrading the firmware, they are left with no choice but to upgrade their firmware when the need arises for a restore. Users have long criticized Apple for this practice, but without government intervention, it is unlikely that Apple will change its policy, as it allows the company to artificially inflate new firmware rollouts to impress shareholders.
You can always see which versions of iOS or iPadOS are signed for your device by visiting the handy IPSW.me website. In addition, you can download any firmware file you may need from our dedicated download page.
Did the unsigning of Apple iOS and iPadOS 16.1 and 16.1.1 get in the way? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.