Apple has ceased signing iOS 14.7, preventing users from downgrading from iOS 14.7.1. The move comes just a week after the latest software update made a surprise debut to patch a dangerous security flaw.
iOS 14.7.1 rolled out on July 26, and unlike most of Apple’s software updates, it wasn’t beta tested ahead of its public debut. That’s because it didn’t bring any major changes, but did address a serious bug that needed fixing quickly.
Now, those who have already updated to iOS 14.7.1 — or one of the iOS 15 beta releases — can no longer downgrade to iOS 14.7.
Apple stops signing iOS 14.7
Apple has stopped signing iOS 14.7, which means it’s no longer possible to install and activate this version of its software. Given that the flaw in iOS 14.7 was already exploited by hackers, that’s good news.
The downside is that, if you’ve encountered issues with iOS 14.7.1, you’ll now need to wait for another software update for a fix. However, the chances of any major, device-breaking bugs in such a small update seems pretty slim.
This doesn’t mean you can’t downgrade from the iOS 15 beta; it just means you’ll be downgraded to iOS 14.7.1 rather than iOS 14.7. We have a guide on how to downgrade if you’re looking for a way back.
Next stop, iOS 15?
iOS 14.7.1 may be the last ever version of iOS 14. There are no others in beta testing right now, and we expect iOS 15 to make its public debut in just over a month. It will be free to download on all compatible devices.
