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Apple Stops Signing Newly Released iOS Updates for Older iPhones [Updated]

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Apple has stopped signing several iOS updates released earlier this week, preventing users from installing them even if they still appear in Software Update. The affected versions include iOS 12, iOS 15, iOS 16, and iOS 18.

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On Monday, Apple released iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8 for older iPhone models, along with iPadOS 15.8.6, iPadOS 16.7.3, and iPadOS 18.7.4 for iPad models.

The updates were intended to keep core system services functioning on devices that no longer receive major iOS releases, as well as fix an issue preventing some devices from being able to make emergency calls. Affected iPhone models include the following:

  • iPhone SE (1st generation)
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation)
  • iPhone 5s
  • iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
  • iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus
  • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

The following iPad models are also affected:

  • iPad mini 2
  • iPad mini 3
  • iPad Air
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
  • iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (1st generation)
  • iPad (5th generation)
  • iPad (7th generation)
  • iPad (8th generation)

None of the updates address security vulnerabilities or introduce new features. According to Apple's release notes for the iOS 12 and iOS 15 updates, the main purpose is to replace an expiring security certificate. Without that replacement, services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple Account sign-in would stop working after January 2027, when the original certificate expires.

Apple has not explained why it stopped signing the updates. In the past, however, the company has prevented installations of newly released iOS versions after discovering bugs or other issues, and then typically re-enabled updates once revised builds become available. iOS 26.2.1 remains available to download, suggesting it has not been affected by the issue. We'll update this article when we learn more.

Update: In a support document, spotted by 9to5Mac, Australia telecommunications company Telstra says that it is "currently investigating an issue preventing some older Apple devices from connecting to our network, including calls to 000. We're working on this as a priority with Apple and will share updates as we have them. We recommend customers using these devices delay updating the software on their device until we confirm the issue is resolved."

Update 12:40 pm: Apple is once again signing iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 18.7.4, so these can once again be installed. iOS 16.7.13 remains unsigned, suggesting Apple has determined the issue is limited to only that release.

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Top Rated Comments

MacTech68 Avatar
MacTech68
8 months ago
They NEVER should have turned off 2G and 3G here. There is no fall-back anymore, and the new systems don't play nice with all the variations of handsets. Go figure. What a stupid mess.

I believe the UK kept 2G going precisely for that reason (though IIRC they're now considering turning it off) :confused:
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Populus Avatar
Populus
8 months ago

They NEVER should have turned off 2G and 3G here. There is no fall-back anymore, and the new systems don't play nice with all the variations of handsets. Go figure. What a stupid mess.

I believe the UK kept 2G going precisely for that reason (though IIRC they're now considering turning it off) :confused:
Here in Spain they are still keeping 3G, 4G and 5G. And sometimes when you’re on the inside of a building with poor coverage, the phone drops to 3G to maintain a basic internet connection, although very very slow.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zoozx Avatar
zoozx
8 months ago
Apple really needs to take care of its customers Better and longer!
I pay big money for something and it should be supported much longer.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N
Njmcq
8 months ago
The updates have been pulled due to an issue where iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X models running iOS 16.7.13 are unable to connect to the Telstra network in Australia, including when trying to make emergency calls.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
P
Piggyhero2006
8 months ago

Apple has stopped signing several iOS updates released earlier this week, preventing users from installing them even if they still appear in Software Update. The affected versions include iOS 12, iOS 15, iOS 16, and iOS 18.

MacRumors content image

On Monday, Apple released iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8 for older iPhone models, along with iPadOS 15.8.6, iPadOS 16.7.3, and iPadOS 18.7.4 for iPad models.

The updates were intended to keep core system services functioning on devices that no longer receive major iOS releases, as well as fix an issue preventing some devices from being able to make emergency calls ('https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/26/ios-26-2-1-emergency-call-australia/'). Affected iPhone models include the following:

* iPhone SE (1st generation)

* iPhone SE (2nd generation)
* iPhone 5s

* iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

* iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus

* iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

* iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus

* iPhone X

* iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max

* iPhone XR

* iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

* iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

The following iPad models are also affected:

* iPad mini 2

* iPad mini 3

* iPad Air

* iPad Air 2

* iPad mini 4

* iPad Pro (9.7-inch)

* iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (1st generation)

* iPad (5th generation)

* iPad (7th generation)

* iPad (8th generation)

None of the updates address security vulnerabilities or introduce new features. According to Apple's release notes for the iOS 12 and iOS 15 updates, the main purpose is to replace an expiring security certificate. Without that replacement, services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple Account sign-in would stop working after January 2027, when the original certificate expires.

Apple has not explained why it stopped signing the updates. In the past, however, the company has prevented installations of newly released iOS versions after discovering bugs or other issues, and then typically re-enabled updates once revised builds become available. iOS 26.2.1 remains available to download, suggesting it has not been affected by the issue. We'll update this article when we learn more.

Update: In a support document ('https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/iphone-calling-issue--what-you-need-to-know'), spotted by 9to5Mac ('https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/28/apple-pulls-select-ios-updates-due-to-connectivity-issues/'), Australia telecommunications company Telstra says that it is "currently investigating an issue preventing some older Apple devices from connecting to our network, including calls to 000. We're working on this as a priority with Apple and will share updates as we have them. We recommend customers using these devices delay updating the software on their device until we confirm the issue is resolved."

Article Link: Apple Stops Signing Newly Released iOS Updates for Older iPhones ('https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/28/apple-stops-signing-newly-released-ios-updates/')
My iPhone X is now “bricked” because as soon as I heard the update was bad I DFU restored back to 16.7.12 not knowing my phone made a backup of 16.7.13 last night. Now I can’t restore from the backup because it requires me to update to 16.7.13 but it can’t because it’s not signed anymore. Thanks Apple :)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeauGiles Avatar
BeauGiles
8 months ago
https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/iphone-calling-issue--what-you-need-to-know



* Apple has paused software updates released this week for some older iPhone models while they investigate. These include iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, iOS 12.5.8

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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