Apple stops signing older code following iOS 11.2.6 release

Released last week Monday, iOS 11.2.6 includes a fix for a pesky rendering bug that would crash apps, and in some cases Springboard itself, when a particular Indian language character was displayed.

Discovered a week prior, the iOS flaw would render certain apps unusable when a user received a Telugu character. Communications apps including Apple's own Messages and Safari, as well as third-party software like Gmail, Outlook, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, were especially susceptible to the bug.

Apple regularly stops signing code in an effort to prevent users from installing old iOS versions. In addition to system security, restricted code signing helps ensure users have the most up-to-date firmware running on their iPhone, iPad and iPod.

Looking ahead, Apple is currently beta testing iOS 11.3 update, which will deliver promised battery monitoring and performance settings features, ARKit 1.5, Health Records support, new Animoji characters and more.

In the latest iOS 11.3 beta, issued last week, Apple removed AirPlay 2 support from testing, suggesting the feature might not be included when the software update goes live this spring.