Apple Blocks iOS 16.1.2 Downgrades — Are iPhone Users Stuck with iOS 16.2?

Apple has blocked iOS 16.1.2 downgrades for iPhone users.

The move comes shortly after the Cupertino-based tech giant has started rolling out the new iOS 16.2.

Apple iPhone — People purchase the new iPhone XS and XS Max at the Apple store in Midtown Manhattan on September 21, 2018 in New York City. The two new phones, which feature longer battery life and faster processors, went on sale Friday. Apple recently hit a market cap of $1 trillion, making it the first publicly traded U.S. company to reach $1 trillion. by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Does this mean that iPhone users are now stuck with the latest version of the Apple mobile operating system?

Apple Blocks iOS 16.1.2 Downgrades for iPhone Users

As per the recent report by Forbes, Apple dished out iOS 16.1.2 before November ends, bringing notable improvements for iPhone users, including the bug and security fixes.

Version 16.1.2 is available to millions of iPhone users, including the older iPhone 8 and iPhone X models. The update also supports newer ones, such as the iPhone 13 series and the iPhone 14 lineup.

Given this, much-older models like the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7, as well as the iPod Touch miss out on this iOS release.

The update brings 5G connection support to users in India. Meanwhile, in the rest of the world, version 16.1.2 improves the Crash Detection feature for iPhone 14 users.

Previously, users report that riding roller coasters triggers the crash detection feature, falsely contacting authorities for a crash. With that, the Car Crash Detection function should work fine after installing the said iOS update.

But this time, Apple no longer signs iOS 16.1.2, according to the latest story by Mac Rumors. It means that iPhone users could no longer downgrade to this version.

Are iPhone Users Stuck with iOS 16.2?

If you are having some problems with the latest iOS 16.2, you will have to wait for the next update. The renowned tech giant no longer allows downgrades to the previous 16.1.2 version.

An attendee holds a new Apple iPhone 14 Pro during an Apple special event on September 07, 2022 in Cupertino, California. Apple unveiled the new iPhone 14 as well as new versions of the Apple Watch, including the Apple Watch SE, a low-cost version of the popular timepiece that will start st $249. by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Mac Rumors further notes in its story that the move is nothing new. The iPhone maker constantly blocks downgrades to previous iOS versions, encouraging users to stick to the latest release. To do this, the Cupertino firm have to stop signing the older updates every now and then.

After all, iOS 16.2 comes with various new features, such as the Apple Music Sing, which allows users to enable a karaoke mode.

Not to mention that the latest update also expands the iCloud encryption to the files and photos of its users.

The latest version also introduces the Freeform app, allowing iPhone users create sketches and other creative stuff without using a third-party software. The iOS 16.2 also brings a couple of security fixes and addresses annoying bugs right off the bat.