It’s the end of the road for iOS 13.2.3 as Apple blocks downgrades

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iPadOS
There's no way back from iOS 13.3.
Photo: Apple

Apple today stopped signing iOS 13.2.3. It’s no longer possible to downgrade devices that have already been updated to iOS 13.3, which rolled out to everyone just over one week ago.

Every iOS update Apple rolls out is supposed to be faster, more stable, and more secure than the previous version. So Apple makes a habit of blocking downgrades soon after a new release rolls out to everyone.

iOS 13.2.3 is the latest to be hit by its block.

iOS 13.2.3 no longer signed by Apple

Apple has stopped signing this version of its software, which means it is no longer possible to download and install it on an iOS device. Those still running earlier releases will be upgraded directly to iOS 13.3.

iOS 13.3, officially released on December 10, brought with it new features, including Communication Limits, which is now part of Screen Time. It also made improvements to Apple News+ and NFC.

The release isn’t completely stable; there are some bugs in Communication Limits that prevent it from working as intended. But Apple has already started testing an iOS 13.3.1 update that fixes these issues. You can download the public beta from Apple’s developer portal.

It’s not year clear when iOS 13.3.1 will be available to everyone. It’s highly unlikely we’ll see its official release — or even a second beta — ahead of the holidays.

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