Apple recently unveiled its latest iOS 17 update to the world at its WWDC 2023 event. The company has also released additional updates for the iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV with major improvements and new features. However, iOS 17 remains the highlight of the event, given the number of front-facing additions it brings to the table. Apple has also seeded the first developer beta of iOS 17, which you can download right now on your compatible iPhone. If you have already updated to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 and want to downgrade to a stable iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 build, then you can check out our detailed tutorial.
Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16.5 and from iPadOS 17 to iPadOS 16.5 if you are encountering bugs and issues
Initially, all iOS developer builds are crawling with bugs. While the latest iOS 17 developer beta gives you a choice to try out the latest features and changes, it does come with its fair share of issues. If you have installed iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 developer beta on your main iPhone and want to downgrade to a stable iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 build, then check out our detailed tutorial below on how you can do so.
Before we downgrade to a stable iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 build, we first have to make sure that Apple is signing that specific build. Usually, Apple stops signing a software update after a new version has been released to the public. Currently, Apple is signing iOS 16.5 and will continue to do so until iOS 16.6 is released. Since iOS 16.6 is out, you can downgrade to it as well. Before you begin the process, be sure to back up your data in case of a mishap. To downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16. the first thing that you have to do is download the correct firmware file. Choose the iPhone model that you have, then proceed to the tutorial below.
iOS 16.5 IPSW Files for iPhone
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE 3
- iPhone SE 2
iPadOS 16.5 IPSW Files for iPad
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th-gen, 5th-gen, 4th-gen, 3rd-gen, 2nd-gen, 1st-gen)
- 11-inch iPad Pro (4th-gen, 3rd-gen, 2nd-gen, 1st-gen)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro
- iPad (5th-gen, 6th-gen, 7th-gen, 8th-gen, 9th-gen, 10th-gen)
- iPad Air (3rd-gen, 4th-gen, 5th-gen)
- iPad mini (5th-gen, 6th-gen)
Once you have downloaded the required firmware file for your device, you are ready to downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16.5 and from iPadOS 17 to iPadOS 16.5. Before you begin the tutorial, make sure that Find My is turned off. You can do this by navigating to Settings > Apple ID > Find My > Find My iPhone/iPad and then turn it off the switch.
Step 1: The first thing that you have to do is connect your iPhone or iPad to your PC or Mac using a Lightning to USB-C cable.
Step 2: Launch iTunes on Windows and Finder on Mac after your device is detected.
Step 3: Click on your device situated on the left of the interface to reveal more details.
Step 4: You will see a "Restore iPhone/iPad" button. Click on it while holding the Shift key for Windows and the Option key for Mac.
Step 5: Select iOS 16.5 or iPadOS 16.5 firmware file that you downloaded earlier.
This is all that you have to do. Let the process complete, and you will successfully downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16.5 or from iPadOS 17 to iPadOS 16.5. The process might take a while, so sit back and relax. Your device will not restart on a stable build of iOS 16, free from all the bugs and issues.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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