Apple stops signing iOS 17.5.1 following release of iOS 17.6
Just last Monday, Apple released iOS & iPadOS 17.6 to the general public with the express reasoning of introducing important bug fixes and security updates without the introduction of any new features for iPhone and iPad users.
As we come to expect any time Apple releases a new firmware, however, the Cupertino-based company has starting this week restricted downgrades to the older iOS & iPadOS 17.5.1 firmware by means of a process known as unsigning, which effectively causes anyone who tries to downgrade via iTunes in Windows or Finder in macOS to receive a denial when requesting authentication from Apple’s servers. This halts the downgrade in its tracks.
Apple has a long history of preventing iPhone and iPad users from downgrading from newer firmware to older firmware, and the primary driver behind that behavior is because it would allow people to install jailbreakable firmware. Apple knows that by enabling firmware downgrades, more people would run outdated firmware to run the jailbreak tweaks and hacks they want, and consequently, their new firmware adoption numbers would tank and they would relinquish control over their users.
Apple has a responsibility as the manufacturer of iPhones and iPads to keep its users safe from malware and potential security issues, but it should be on the end user to decide if they want to run the latest firmware or not. Instead, Apple uses its heavy hand to force users into upgrading without offering any option otherwise.
It’s worth noting that there isn’t a public jailbreak for any of the newer arm64e devices running iOS or iPadOS 17 currently, so this news has very little effect on jailbreakers. On the other hand, it’s been documented several times previously where a firmware update on Apple’s behalf breaks the user’s expected functionality, so downgrading was often the only remedy until Apple fixed the problem with another firmware update. Examples of this included the following:
- iOS 16.0 over-prompting users on clipboard access when pasting copied content into another app
- iOS 14.7 breaking the Apple Watch’s ability to be unlocked with the host iPhone’s Touch ID sensor
- iOS & iPadOS 13.2 imposing incredibly aggressive background management on backgrounded apps
Despite the ability to downgrade to iOS & iPadOS 17.5.1 from a newer firmware being blocked starting today, it’s worth noting that some users may still be able to upgrade from an older firmware to iOS & iPadOS 17.5.1 by using the DelayOTA method. This allows users to continue upgrading to the unsigned firmware for up to 90 days past the unsigned date.
At. iDB, we think that users should have the right to choose which version of iOS or iPadOS that they run on their rightfully purchased handset. Sadly, Apple disagrees. It’s would take government action to change this, much like what has been the case for sideloading in the European Union. That said, we recommend reaching out to your representatives if you want to see change with respect to this.
As always, you can see what version of iOS or iPadOS is currently being signed for your iPhone or iPad by visiting the handy IPSW.me website. You can also visit our Downloads page to acquire any raw firmware files that you might need for downgrading or upgrading your device on demand.
Are you saddened by Apple’s decision to stop signing iOS & iPadOS 17.5.1? Let us know in the comments section down below.
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2024/08/06/apple-stops-signing-ios-17-5-1/
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