Apple has released iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1 updates, but you can downgrade to iOS 16.3 or iPadOS 16.3 now if you’re quick.
iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 Currently Signed by Apple - You Can Downgrade iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1 if You Hurry
At the time of writing, Apple is currently signing the iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 firmware for iPhone and iPad. This means if you’re quick enough, you can downgrade your iPhone and iPad back from the latest iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1 updates released just yesterday.
Again, this is something that can be done for a limited time only. There is a chance Apple has already blocked downgrading to the older firmware, therefore proceed at your own risk.
Before you go ahead, make sure you have backed up everything using iCloud, Finder or iTunes. It’s better to take an iCloud backup since it is more convenient, especially if you have a ton of iCloud storage available.
Also make sure you have turned off Find My on your iPhone or iPad. You can do this by going to Settings > Apple ID > Find My > Find My iPhone. You will be required to enter your Apple ID password when you do this.
Next up, you'll need the iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 firmware files. Download the correct one from the list below and save it to your desktop for easy access:
iOS 16.3 for iPhone IPSW files
- 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 16.3 for iPad IPSW files
- 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)
With that out of the way, connect your device to your PC or Mac using a USB-C or Lightning cable and follow the steps below:
Step 1. Launch iTunes or Finder.
Step 2. Once your device is detected, you'll see a tiny iPhone-like icon on the left. Click on it to reveal more options.
Step 3. You'll see a button called Restore iPhone/iPad in the center. Hold down the left Shift key (Windows) or the left Option key (macOS) and click on it.
Step 4. Select the iOS 16.3 / iPadOS 16.3 firmware file you saved to your desktop.
Once the software is restored, you can then proceed to set up your device from scratch. If you've taken a backup, you can restore that to your desktop at this point.
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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