Toni Dimaano Tech 02.01.2023 08:Feb AM EST

Apple No Longer Allows iOS 16.2 Signings, Downgrades Not Possible As Well

Apple no longer signs to iOS 16.2, the previous version of iOS, following the release of iOS 16.3 on January 23, Mac Rumors writes.

Because of this, it is no longer possible to downgrade to iOS 16.2 after installing the iOS 16.3 upgrade since Apple no longer signs iOS 16.2.

Apple Routinely Stops Signing Older iOS Versions

The iOS 16.2 update is no longer being signed, which is not unusual because Apple regularly ceases signing older versions of iOS after new releases are made.

This is done in order to encourage users to keep their operating systems current, by forcing them to update to newer ones.

With Apple Music Sing, the Freeform app, Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, and other new features, iOS 16.2 was an important upgrade.

Security Keys for Apple ID, updates to Emergency SOS, and compatibility for the new HomePod model are all included in iOS 16.3.

Although iOS 16.3 is the only version of iOS 16 currently available, Apple is anticipated to release the first beta of iOS 16.4 soon, according to a report by Mac Rumors.

Following the release of iOS 15.7.3 and iOS 12.5.7 security patches earlier in January, Apple also ceased signing iOS 15.7.2 and iOS 12.5.6.

What Is There To Expect With iOS 16.3

On January 23, Apple released iOS 16.3, bringing new functionality, bug fixes, and security updates to users of iPhone 8 and later.

One of iOS 16.3's most notable new features allows users to now employ security keys to safeguard their Apple ID, CNet notes.

Along with this update, updates for other Apple products like iPadOS, Safari, and earlier iterations of iOS were also made available.

Instead of two-factor authentication, users can now use third-party security keys with their Apple ID.

Although they can still use passwords and security keys similar to house keys, this additional layer of security can assist in shielding users from hackers and phishing frauds.

However, it is important to note that only security keys with FIDO Alliance certification are compatible with Apple's security key feature.

Additionally, the second-generation Apple HomePod will be compatible with iOS 16.3 when it launches on February 3.

Moreover, a new iPhone wallpaper from Apple's Black Unity Collection is part of the most recent iOS release, CNet reports.

Furthermore, the Call with Hold and Release option has been added to iOS 16.3 in favor of the Call with Hold option.

Aside from this, it corrects a problem where the iPhone 14 Pro Max may momentarily display horizontal lines while waking up.

The Home Lock Screen widget's inaccurate display of the state of the Home app has been fixed through this update.

Additionally, update resolves a problem in Freeform where certain sketching strokes made with an Apple Pencil or your finger might not show up on public boards.

Last but not least, it resolves a problem where Siri might not appropriately reply to music requests, and fixes problems where Siri requests in CarPlay might not be properly understood.