Apple halts iOS 14 signing following release of iOS 14.0.1

Apple on Thursday ceased code signing for iOS 14 following last week's release of iOS 14.0.1, effectively blocking downgrades to the older operating system version.

The current iOS 14.0.1 was issued on Sept. 24 to patch a bug that caused user-selected email and web browser defaults to revert to Apple's first-party Mail and Safari apps after a system restart. Other minor fixes and performance improvements were also included in the release.

With today's halt to code signing, users can no longer download and install the out-of-date iOS 14 operating system from Apple's servers. Apple regularly ceases signing of older code to prevent installation of past iOS versions following the release of a new version in a bid to keep users safe from new threats. The practice also ensures devices are running the latest feature-rich software.

The stoppage comes one day after Apple pushed out public beta versions of iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 for evaluation.

When the point update drops — likely after an iOS 14.1 build being tested internally — users will be granted access to a host of 58 new emoji characters built on the Unicode 13 release. The update also delivers Shazam integration and a new Now Playing Screen in Control Center, as well as a reinstatement of the Blood Oxygen app for Apple Watch Series 6 owners.