AppleInsider Staff
Apple on Monday stopped signing code for iOS 12 after the release of iOS 12.0.1, meaning users running the latest sub-point update can no longer downgrade to the previous operating system version.
The policy change arrives two weeks after Apple released iOS 12.0.1 with a number of bug fixes.
With the change, Apple is restricting access to iOS 12.0.1 and above from its servers.
The latest update was issued in part to address Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues introduced with iOS 12 in September. Owners of iPhone XS and XS Max hardware complained of data communications problems shortly after receiving their new devices, including a behavior that would connect handsets to a known Wi-Fi network at 2.4GHz instead of 5GHz.
Apple's iOS 12.0.1 also fixed an issue where some iPhone and iPad units would not charge when connected to a Lightning cable. While Apple notes the problem was limited to iPhone XS, users of other iPhone and iPad models complained of similar complications after upgrading to iOS 12 last month.
Apple regularly ceases code signing to prevent users from installing old iOS versions following the release of a new OS. Doing so helps keep users safe from new threats and ensures devices are running the most up-to-date software.
Today's code signing stoppage comes hours after Apple pushed out fifth beta versions of iOS 12.1 to developers and public testers for evaluation ahead of an expected launch in the coming weeks. When it sees release, the update will deliver support for Group FaceTime and more than 70 new emoji characters.
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
5 Comments
Do we really need a story each time this happens? It's expected that Apple will stop signing the previous release a couple of weeks after an update.
The headline should really read "iOS 12.0.0", not just "iOS 12" as that is the entire major release. Apple is still signing iOS 12, just not the initial .0.0 release.
Apple should recall and return the money to all buyers of all iOS devices not using iOS 12.0.1 if the reasons are because of data security and safety of personal information, and etc. Older devices are either being used at risk (Apple is not updating them with security patches) or are forced to be obsolete while hardware are still working in perfection!