Apple has stopped signing iOS & iPadOS 17.1, the first major software update for iOS & iPadOS 17 since it first debuted this Fall. This means that downgrades to iOS or iPadOS 17.1 are no longer possible on modern handsets.
The move by the Cupertino-based company comes approximately one week after Apple released iOS & iPadOS 17.1.1 to the general public with a fix for the BMW wireless charging issue that rendered NFC capabilities inoperable, among other things.
Apple regularly stops signing older firmware in an effort to keep the crowd moving forward. This type of control, in effect, prevents users from installing older firmware on their iPhones and iPads by choice, stifling jailbreaking efforts in its wake.
Prospective jailbreakers once depended on the ability to downgrade their firmware to install hacks and add-ons that allowed their iPhone or iPad’s capabilities to extend beyond that of traditional stock features. Unfortunately, Apple has rendered most attempts to downgrade firmware futile by making the security inside of in-device chips so advanced that they reject traditional downgrade hacks.
As of now, the only way to install iOS or iPadOS 17.1 is by upgrading from an older firmware and using the DelayOTA technique, which allows an unsigned firmware to be installed on a device for up to 90 days after it is unsigned by Apple.
It’s worth noting that jailbreaking isn’t the sole reason why iPhone and iPad users might want to downgrade their firmware. Users have also used the ability to downgrade firmware to evade major software bugs that get released via updates by Apple, such as:
The iDB team strongly believes that users should have the choice to install whatever firmware they want on their iPhone or iPad without a corporation telling them they can’t. Apple obviously feels differently on this matter, and it may unfortunately take legislative action to change their stance.
You can always see what version(s) of iOS or iPadOS are being signed for your iPhone or iPad by taking advantage of the handy ipsw.me online utility. You can also take advantage of our Downloads page to acquire any firmware file(s) you may need.