Apple no longer signs iOS 16.0.2, blocking transition from iOS 16.0.3

Just last week, Apple released iOS 16.0.3 to address a host of bugs affecting various phones in the iPhone 14 lineup. And, as expected, the company is now using its firmware signing mechanism to stop the downgrade to iOS 16.0.2.

After iOS 16.0.2 is unsigned, iPhone users will no longer be able to use the Finder on macOS or iTunes on Windows to upgrade from the newer iOS 16.0.3. Regardless, less traditional methods of updating or migrating to unsigned firmware still work, including DelayOTA and FutureRestore, just to name a few.

This predictable behavior on Apple’s part makes it difficult for users to choose which firmware version their device is running, unless they explicitly avoid software updates, which many jailbreakers and would-be jailbreakers do. This is because usually old firmware contains bugs and security holes necessary to use hacking tools.

Apple has a lot to gain from blocking users from downgrading their firmware, such as ensuring that users always enjoy the latest and greatest firmware and keeping the company’s shareholders happy, such as seeing impressive adoption numbers after Apple releases a major software update. security.

But jailbreak itself is far from the only reason users might stay on a lower firmware version or avoid software updates. For example, Apple sometimes releases buggy firmware that requires further updates to fix, so many users actually avoid updates to make sure they’re running stable firmware.

Examples of buggy firmware released in the recent past include the following:

• iOS 16 excessively prompts users for clipboard access when pasting copied content into another app
• iOS 14.7 breaks the ability to unlock the Apple Watch using the Touch ID sensor of the host iPhone.
• iOS and iPadOS 13.2 impose incredibly aggressive background control on apps running in the background.

iDB always speaks out when it comes to the concept of user choice, and this is one of the main reasons why we would like Apple to let users choose which firmware they want to use on their iPhone or iPad. Regardless of our stance, it’s clear from Apple’s hostility to user choice that this isn’t going to happen anytime soon.

As always, you can see which versions of iOS or iPadOS are signed for your device(s) in the IPSW.me online utility. We also have any firmware you might need for any of your devices on our downloads page.

If you are upset that iOS 16.0.2 is no longer signed, be sure to let us know in the comments section below.