Apple has stopped signing several older versions of iOS for a group of older iPhone and iPad models, cutting off the ability to reinstall or downgrade the affected software. The move has raised concerns among users who keep older devices, as well as developers who rely on them for app testing and compatibility.
Apple will no longer validate over-the-air (OTA) or direct IPSW installs of these builds. Once a build is unsigned, there is no longer a way to restore or install it through the Finder or iTunes. This means that users who are experiencing issues with their current software will not be able to revert to an older, more stable build.
This change is more limited than a typical signature update. Apple , hasn't stopped signing the iOS versions themselves. Instead, it has stopped signing the baseband firmwarethe low-level software that runs each device's cellular modem and is tied to those versions. Baseband firmware is critical to the operation of cellular connections, and not signing it can affect a device's ability to connect to cellular networks.
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Affected versions range from iOS 6 to iOS 10. The full list of devices and versions that can no longer be restored includes:
- iPhone 4 (CDMA): iOS 7.1.2 IPSW installs
- iPhone 4S: iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 8.4.1 OTA installs, iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 IPSW installs
- iPhone 5 (GSM and CDMA): iOS 8.4.1 OTA installs, iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4 IPSW installs
- iPhone 5c (GSM and CDMA): iOS 10.3.3 IPSW installs
- iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G, CDMA): iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 8.4.1 OTA installs, iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 IPSW installs
- iPad 3rd generation (GSM and CDMA): iOS 8.4.1 OTA installs, iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 IPSW installs
- iPad 4th generation (Wi-Fi + Cellular): iOS 8.4.1 OTA installs, iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4 IPSW installs
- iPad mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular): iOS 8.4.1 OTA installs, iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 IPSW installs
Wi-Fi-only iPads are not affected , as they do not have a cellular modem and therefore there is no baseband for signing.
The oldest hardware on the list is the CDMA iPhone 4, which never progressed beyond iOS 7.1.2, while the newest versions affected are iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4 on the iPhone 5 and the 4th generation iPad.
It's worth noting that Apple didn't separate iOS and iPadOS until iPadOS 13, so these much older versions of the iPad all ran on iOS at the time.
One of the most interesting entries is the OTA version of iOS 8.4.1, which Apple had kept signed to act as a staging post. Some devices had to go through iOS 8.4.1 to get to iOS 9, and that same signed version gave owners a way back if they wanted to go back. That rollback feature is now gone for almost every device on the list, from the iPhone 4S to the iPhone 5.
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The implications of this change are significant for users and organizations that rely on older devices. A device already running current firmware continues to function normally, but owners lose the ability to install a new one if that firmware becomes broken. It also closes the door to rollbacks for those who keep old hardware to test apps, check compatibility, or maintain software.
Signature changes like this typically target the latest versions, often within days of a major security update for a current version of iOS or iPadOS. Signature withdrawals for decade-old versions on older devices are rarer, reaching only a small percentage of users in 2026, as everything on the list is over ten years old. While this move may seem limited in terms of user numbers, its impact is felt by those who still use these devices for special needs.
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Apple's decision to stop signing these versions can be interpreted as an attempt to encourage users to move to newer devices and software versions, where security and support are more guaranteed. However, for many users, upgrading is not always possible due to financial or other constraints. Therefore, this change can create challenges for those who depend on older devices for everyday use or professional applications.
Overall, Apple's decision to stop signing these older versions of iOS highlights the ongoing evolution of technology and the challenges users face when their devices become obsolete. It also highlights the importance of maintaining security and functionality on modern devices, while leaving open the question of how tech companies can better support users with older hardware.
