You can downgrade iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 back to iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 if you are quick enough. This tutorial applies to iPhone and iPad only.
Apple is Signing iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, Downgrade iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 Now Before Signing Window Closes
While iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 final update is available for download, you still have time to downgrade back to iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. This is possible as long as Apple is signing the older firmware, and currently, it is.
Once the signing window is closed, you can no longer downgrade to iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. But, if you are already on iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, and don't wish to upgrade, then simply head over to Settings > General > Software Update and turn off the automatic update feature from here. Avoiding the update entirely is now up to you.
It's important to know at this point that performing a downgrade is basically doing a clean installation on your device. You will lose all your files and settings. Backup everything using iCloud, iTunes or Finder before going ahead. Once the backup has been made and everything secure, read further.
Prerequisites
- Download and save the iOS 14.8 and iPadOS 14.8 firmware file and save it to your desktop.
- Make sure you have a Lightning cable or USB-C cable to plug your device to your PC or Mac.
- 50% or more battery life remaining.
- Turn off Find My: Launch Settings on your iPhone or iPad, then tap on Apple ID at the top. Now tap on Find My, then tap on Find My iPhone and then turn off Find My iPhone. You will be required to enter your Apple ID password here.
Tutorial
Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your PC or Mac using a compatible cable.
Step 2. Launch Finder or iTunes, whichever is applicable to you.
Step 3. Your device should be automatically detected and will appear as a tiny iPhone-like icon in the corner. Click on it to reveal more details.
Step 4. Click on the Restore iPhone button while pressing down the:
- left Option key (Mac)
- left Shift key (Windows)
Step 5. A new window will now show up. Select the iOS 14.8 or iPadOS 14.8 IPSW file you saved to your desktop.
Step 6. Once the file has been selected it will be extracted and restored onto your iPhone or iPad.
This whole thing may take quite a while but you will be back on iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 once done. Remember to restore the backup you took ahead of this tutorial.
Looking to install the update instead? Check out the following:
- iOS 15, iPadOS 15 Final Download for iPhone and iPad is Now Available
- iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 Final Update Changelog and Features
- Download and Install iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 Without Losing Files or Settings
- How to Clean Install iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 on iPhone and iPad [Tutorial]
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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