Apple Stops Signing iOS 17.3 Following Release of iOS 17.3.1
Apple ends downgrade option for iPhone and iPad users
Apple has recently announced that it will stop signing iOS 17.3, making it impossible for iPhone and iPad users to revert back to this version of the operating system if they have already upgraded to a newer version of iOS. This move is part of Apple's ongoing efforts to maintain a secure and up-to-date user experience.
iOS 17.3 introduced Stolen Device Protection and collaborative Apple Music playlists
Released on January 22, iOS 17.3 brought some exciting new features to Apple devices. One notable addition was the Stolen Device Protection feature for iPhones. When enabled, this feature requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication for actions such as changing the Apple ID password or disabling the Find My feature. Additionally, iOS 17.3 introduced collaborative Apple Music playlists, allowing users to create and share personalized music collections with their friends and family.
iOS 17.3.1 addresses text duplication issue
On February 8, Apple released iOS 17.3.1, which primarily focused on fixing a bug that caused unexpected text duplication or overlap while typing. This update aimed to enhance the overall user experience by resolving this particular issue.
Downgrading iOS versions: A popular technique for some users
Downgrading to older iOS versions has been a commonly used technique, especially among those who jailbreak their iPhones and iPads. It can also be helpful for users who encounter significant bugs after upgrading to the latest version of iOS. However, with the termination of iOS 17.3 signing, Apple is tightening its grip on the ability to revert back to older builds.
Exception for iOS 17.4 beta users
While downgrading is no longer an option for most users, those who are currently using iOS 17.4 beta can still downgrade to iOS 17.3.1 if necessary. This provides a limited window for those who wish to revert to a previous version of the operating system.
As Apple continues to enhance the security and functionality of its iOS platform, keeping devices updated with the latest operating system versions ensures that users benefit from the most recent features and bug fixes.
Analyst comment
Neutral news. The market is not expected to be significantly impacted by this development.
