Apple briefly stopped signing older iOS versions for legacy devices, including the iPhone 5c and iPad 2, but restored signing within hours. The move, first spotted by Aaron Perris on X, affected OTA updates and IPSW installs for several outdated models. Such actions are common when Apple encourages users to upgrade, but this time the decision was quickly reversed.
Which devices and versions were affected
The affected versions include iOS 10.3.3 and 10.3.4 for iPhone 5c, iOS 8.4.1 OTA and 9.3.5/9.3.6 IPSW for iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, and iOS 6.1.3 OTA, 8.4.1 OTA, 9.3.5/9.3.6 IPSW for iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (CDMA). Apple stopped validating these builds, preventing restore or downgrade. This news worried collectors and developers who keep old devices for testing or compatibility. As seen in other tech news, such as Netflix's exploration of live TV channels, even major companies face challenges balancing innovation and legacy support.
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Apple's swift reversal
Later the same day, Apple restored signing for all mentioned versions. According to Aaron Perris, owners of affected legacy devices can now restore to those software versions again. The reason for the initial block is unclear but may have been an administrative error. Apple did not issue an official statement. This incident highlights the sensitivity of firmware version management, similar to Anthropic's revelations about Claude Opus 4.6's J-space. For users relying on older devices for specific tasks, the ability to stay on older firmware is critical. Apple, as documented on Wikipedia's iOS version history, has often enforced restrictive policies for security, but this time it quickly backtracked.
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If you still own an iPhone 5c or iPad 2, you can now restore to the firmware version that best suits your needs. This episode underscores the importance of monitoring Apple's signing status, especially for devices no longer officially supported.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/09/apple-stops-signing-ios-versions-for-several-older-iphones-and-ipads
