Apple Blocks iOS 26.2 Downgrades, Pushes Users to Newer Builds

Back in December 2025, Apple released the final version of iOS 26.2 update to iPhones, bringing refinements, app updates and critical security fixes. Now, before releasing the next iOS 26.3 update, Apple has decided to make downgrading from iOS 26.2 impossible.

Apple stops signing iOS 26.2 to disable downgrades

Confirmed by MacRumours, Apple has now unsigned iOS 26.2. This prevents iOS 26.2.1 users from installing the previous build on their iPhones. This is usually done to stop iPhone owners from installing the previous version of iOS which are usually less stable and secure.

For context, signed software on Apple iPhones usually means that it has passed the server-side verification and that it can now be downloaded on an iPhone. This signing process is important to help iOS updates install and run on iPhones without any hiccups.

However, it also makes the software prone to downgrades. Even though the signed build is not visible from the user side, they will still be able to use macOS Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on a Windows PC to install the previous iOS builds.

Hence, Apple usually unsigns its older iOS versions to maintain update continuity and block unnecessary downgrades. Alongside iOS 26.2, Apple has also unsigned iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.8.5, iOS 16.7.12, and iOS 18.7.3.