Apple Discontinues Support for Older iPhone and iPad Models

Apple has recently made changes that will impact users of older iPhones and iPads. Starting today, users will no longer be able to restore or downgrade to several older iOS versions. This change affects devices such as the iPhone 5c and certain models of the iPad.

As reported by Aaron Perris, Apple has stopped signing over-the-air (OTA) and direct IPSW installs for several older iPads and iPhones. This means that devices like the iPhone 5c and certain iPad models will no longer be able to install older versions of iOS.

Specifically, Apple will no longer validate IPSW installs of iOS 10.3.3 on the GSM and CDMA iPhone 5c, OTA installs of iOS 8.4.1, and IPSW installs of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, as well as OTA installs of iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 8.4.1, and IPSW installs of iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 on the CDMA iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G.

It’s worth noting that iOS and iPadOS were split starting with iPadOS 13, meaning that iPads running older system versions were running iOS. While this change may not affect a large percentage of users, it does impact those who rely on older devices for testing, app compatibility, or preservation purposes.

If you own any of the affected devices, it’s important to be aware of these changes. Let us know in the comments if you still use any of the devices mentioned.

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