Apple regularly stops signing older version(s) of iOS and iPadOS as the company releases newer versions to the general public. Doing so works as a mechanism to prevent firmware downgrades.
This time, iOS & iPadOS 17.1.1 and 17.1.2 fell victim to Apple’s unsigning scheme, effectively ending firmware downgrades as we knew them from iOS & iPadOS 17.2 or newer.
In doing to, it is no longer possible to plug a non-checkm8 exploit-vulnerable iPhone or iPad into a computer and use the Shift + click method on the Restore button in iTunes on Windows or the Option + click method on the Restore button in Finder on macOS to select the iOS or iPadOS 17.1.1 or 17.1.2 firmware file (.IPSW) to restore to.
Firmware downgrades have been used by the jailbreak community at large to restore down to jailbreakable versions of iOS or iPadOS for many years, which could explain why Apple is so strict about preventing them. Still, it’s not the only reason why firmware downgrades exist.
Many people use firmware downgrades to revert to an older version when a software update causes unwanted or unexpected behavior with their device.
Whatever Apple’s reason for blocking firmware downgrades might be, it takes a little know-how and isn’t something that the average Joe is doing their device every single day. For that reason, it seems dumb to block them on the basis of “keeping users safe,” since only those understanding the convoluted process (typically advanced users) would attempt it.
Our stance on firmware downgrades is that Apple should allow them — not just to let users jailbreak their device, but also so that users can remove unwanted new features from their device with just a few clicks. Unfortunately, it may take legislative action from a government somewhere around the world to make that happen, as Apple is unlikely to chance their stance out of the kindness of its own heart.
As always, you can check to see what firmware is being signed for your iPhone or iPad by visiting the IPSW.me online utility. You can also access any firmware files you might need for any of your devices via our Downloads page.
Are you upset to see Apple blocking yet another firmware downgrade? Let us know in the comments section down below.