Apple Stops Signing Older iOS Versions for Legacy Devices
Apple has stopped signing older iOS versions for several older iPhones and iPads, including the iPhone 5c and iPad 2, as of July 8, 2026. This means users can no longer restore or downgrade to these versions. The move affects devices running iOS 10.3.3, iOS 8.4.1, and iOS 9.3.5/9.3.6.
Key points
- Apple has stopped signing older iOS versions for several legacy devices, including the iPhone 5c and iPad 2, as of July 8, 2026.
- The affected devices include iPhone 5c (GSM and CDMA) and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (CDMA) and iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular.
- Users can no longer restore or downgrade to iOS 10.3.3, iOS 8.4.1, and iOS 9.3.5/9.3.6 on these devices.
- The move is not uncommon, as Apple typically stops signing older versions of iOS after releasing security fixes for newer releases.
- It is unclear how many users are affected by this change, but it is likely to impact those still using older devices.
Apple's decision to stop signing older iOS versions for legacy devices is not unexpected. The company typically stops supporting older versions of iOS after releasing security fixes for newer releases. However, the move may still impact users who are still running older devices.
The affected devices include the iPhone 5c and iPad 2, which are no longer receiving security updates or bug fixes. This means that users who are still running these devices may be more vulnerable to security risks.
It is unclear how many users are affected by this change, but it is likely to impact those still using older devices. Apple's decision to stop signing older iOS versions is a common practice, but it can still be frustrating for users who are still using older devices.
In the future, users who want to upgrade to newer versions of iOS will need to purchase a newer device or consider alternative options. Apple's decision to stop signing older iOS versions is a reminder that older devices are no longer supported and may not receive the latest security updates or bug fixes.
Sources
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