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Apple Stops Signing iOS 16.2 Following iOS 16.3 Launch, Downgrading No Longer Possible

Following the launch of iOS 16.3 on January 23, Apple is no longer signing iOS 16.2, the previously available version of iOS. Now that Apple has stopped signing iOS 16.2, it is no longer possible to downgrade to that version of iOS after installing the iOS 16.3 update.

iOS 16
Apple routinely stops signing older versions of iOS after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to keep their operating systems up to date, so it is not unusual that the iOS 16.2 update is no longer being signed.

iOS 16.2 was a significant update that added Apple Music Sing, the Freeform app, Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, and more. iOS 16.3 introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, changes to Emergency SOS, and it adds support for the new HomePod model.

Apple is expected to release the first beta of iOS 16.4 in the near future, but as of now, iOS 16.3 is the only available version of iOS 16. Apple has also stopped signing iOS 15.7.2 and iOS 12.5.6 following the release of iOS 15.7.3 and iOS 12.5.7 security updates earlier in January.

Top Rated Comments

41 months ago

It's still hot and steaming, give it a minute.
A turd is a turd...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thejadedmonkey Avatar
41 months ago
16.2, 16.3, doesn't matter, they all have the same horrid backgrounds. Gimme 15-point-whatever back, I want my backgrounds that animate on press.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
41 months ago
Was expecting this as usual. Not facing any issues with 16.3
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
41 months ago
I wish I could quit signing things.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PhilBoogie Avatar
41 months ago

Upgraded an old iPhone 12 to iOS 16.3 and it's extremely laggy, even the animation when you return to the home screen lags out. I don't know if Apple is again throttling phones so that people upgrade, but I have no problems whatsoever on my 13 Pro Max. The 12 is set up as new and has nothing on it except for stock apps.
The trick is to never upgrade. Sure, I have to deal with 'Allow paste?' bug, but at least I don't have to deal with new bugs. I wish I could install an old version of iOS on a new phone. Perhaps I shouldn't buy a new one every year...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Razorpit Avatar
41 months ago
Still on 15 after reading all the issues with 16. With age comes wisdom and patience. 😁
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)