Apple has stopped signing several older iOS versions for select legacy iPhone and iPad models, which means users can no longer restore, downgrade, or install those builds through OTA updates or IPSW files.
Aaron Perris spotted the signing changes on X, and the updated list shows that Apple has now blocked validation for multiple older versions across devices such as the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, original iPad mini cellular models, and the CDMA iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G.
Affected iPhone and iPad Models
Apple has stopped validating the following installs:
- iPhone 5 GSM and CDMA: OTA installs of iOS 8.4.1, plus IPSW installs of iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4
- iPhone 5c GSM and CDMA: IPSW installs of iOS 10.3.3
- iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular: OTA installs of iOS 8.4.1, plus IPSW installs of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6
- iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular MM: OTA installs of iOS 8.4.1, plus IPSW installs of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6
- CDMA iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G: OTA installs of iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 8.4.1, plus IPSW installs of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6
This change only affects older devices, but it still matters for people who keep them for testing, app support, or software preservation.
Apple usually stops signing newer iOS and iPadOS builds after releasing security updates, but the company also closes signing paths for older devices from time to time. Once Apple stops signing a version, users cannot restore or downgrade to that software through normal methods.
Since Apple split iOS and iPadOS starting with iPadOS 13, older iPads on this list still ran iOS rather than iPadOS.
