Key Metrics
47.06
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
-
Scope LevelGlobal
-
Last Update2025-08-12
Key Impacts
Negative Impacts (2)
Event Overview
Apple's policy of halting signature support for older firmware versions restricts device downgrades, enforcing adoption of recent updates. This practice aligns with maintaining system security and feature consistency, while limiting user flexibility to revert changes. Such measures reflect corporate control over software ecosystems through technical enforcement mechanisms.
Collect Records
Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.5, Blocking Downgrades
Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.5 following the release of iOS 18.6. This move prevents users from downgrading their devices from iOS 18.6 back to iOS 18.5 using official methods. The signing process is controlled by Apple servers and determines whether a particular firmware version can be installed on an iPhone or iPad. Stopping the signing of older versions is a common practice for Apple, aimed at keeping devices on the latest software, which typically delivers enhanced features, bug fixes, and improved security. This change means that only iOS 18.6 and future updates are now available for installation on supported devices.
Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.5, Preventing Downgrades from iOS 18.6
Apple has stopped signing iOS 18.5 following the release of iOS 18.6. This change means that iPhone and iPad users who have upgraded to iOS 18.6 can no longer revert their devices to iOS 18.5 using Apple's official channels. The company routinely stops signing older versions of iOS shortly after new releases to encourage adoption of the latest updates, which often include security improvements and feature enhancements. Once signing is stopped, iTunes and Finder will reject attempts to install the unsigned version. Apple has not issued a public statement regarding the exact date this signing change occurred beyond confirmation that it is now in effect.