Moments after releasing iOS 10.1.1 for compatible devices, Apple has ceased to sign iOS 10.0.3 and iOS 10.0.2. This means you can only downgrade to iOS 10.1 from iOS 10.1.1.
Apple Abruptly Stops Signing iOS 10.0.2 & iOS 10.0.3
iOS 10.1.1 is a very minor update that aims to fix a bug that prevented users from seeing their Health data. Shortly after releasing the aforementioned update, Apple stepped up its game by ceasing to sign iOS 10.0.2 and iOS 10.0.3. This means you can no longer downgrade to those firmware versions even if you wanted to. If you have updated to iOS 10.1 or iOS 10.1.1, then that's where you'll be staying from here on in until a new version is released.
For those who are wondering, iOS 10.0.3 was available for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users only. It fixed an issue for users where their handsets were experiencing connectivity issues on LTE networks, especially those on Verizon in United States.
Today's move is rather strange from Apple as the company (usually) takes a lot of time in closing the signing window for older firmware versions. It's possible Apple has done this in order to make sure users are running the latest release of their software at any given time. Users have, of course, the option to avoid updates as they are notified before going ahead with the installation process. Simply tapping on the Later option in the update prompt in iOS delays the process.
Downgrade iOS 10.1.1 to iOS 10.1
If you are looking to downgrade your device from iOS 10.1.1 to iOS 10.1, then here's how you do it.
- Backup everything on your device to either iTunes or iCloud.
- Download the iOS 10.1 final firmware file.
- Connect your device to your PC or Mac and launch iTunes.
- Select your device from the top left hand corner of iTunes.
- Click on the Restore iPhone button while holding down the left Shift key (Windows) or the left Option key (Mac).
- When a pop-up window comes into view, select the iOS 10.1 firmware file you downloaded in step 2.
- The downgrade process will now begin.
Please make sure you do not touch your device during the downgrade process. Everything should go smoothly as possible to the point you set it up as new once again.
We will keep our readers updated regarding Apple software releases in the days to come so stay tuned. Meanwhile users are requested to update straight to iOS 10.1.1 as it's a bug fix release. Downgrade only when you have a solid reason for doing so.
About the author: Uzair has been writing about tech for a little under 10 years. Started off in the Symbian days, migrated to Android, eventually settling on iOS and Mac to make a living. Loves photography, drones, talking about the latest tech, and firmly believes that iPad is the future of computing. Served as Editor-in-Chief with Redmond Pie for five years, author at The Readers Eye and many other freelance gigs. Wccftech is now his current home.
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