Apple has stopped signing iOS 26.2, officially blocking iPhone users on iOS 26.2.1 from downgrading to the earlier software version.
Apple has also unsigned multiple legacy iOS versions, forcing older devices to stay on the latest supported builds.
iOS 26.3 is expected in early February, bringing new privacy tools, cross-platform features, and EU-specific updates.
Apple has now stopped users from signing iOS 26.2, restricting the iPhone users who have already updated to iOS 26.2.1 from rolling back to the previous version of the operating system. This comes just a week after the iPhone maker released iOS 26.2.1, an update that introduced support for the newly launched AirTag 2. As the iOS 26.2 update cannot be signed, any attempt to reinstall the older firmware will now fail Apple’s server-side verification process.
SurveyFor those unaware, Apple signs iOS versions to authorise the installation on iPhones. And once the version is unsigned, it can no longer be installed, even after using the manual methods via Finder on macOS or the Apple Devices app on Windows. Until now, users who encountered issues on iOS 26.2.1 still had the option to downgrade, but that window has officially closed.
The tech giant follows this practice routinely to discourage the use of outdated software that may contain unresolved security vulnerabilities. In most cases, signing for older versions is discontinued within a week or two of a newer release.
Also read: Apple may launch Samsung Galaxy Z Flip competitor anytime soon: Report
Alongside iOS 26.2, Apple has also stopped signing several legacy iOS builds meant for devices that cannot upgrade to iOS 26. These include iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.8.5, iOS 16.7.12, and iOS 18.7.3. Their respective replacements- iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 18.7.4- were rolled out last week, while a refreshed iOS 16 update was released today. As a result, users are now required to stay on the latest available software versions supported by their devices, with no option to revert to older builds.
In the meantime, Apple is planning to introduce the iOS 26.3 update. The update is said to be introduced either on February 4th or February 9th and will be eligible for all the devices, including the iPhone 11 series and later. The update may bring new features like an iPhone-to-Android wireless transfer tool, a Limit Precise Location privacy setting for cellular networks, Notification Forwarding to third-party smartwatches in the EU, one-tap proximity pairing for non-Apple earbuds in the EU and more.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
