Apple iOS 16.3 downgrades have been blocked for iPhones with the latest iOS 16.3.1 update installed.

The iPhone maker confirmed that it has already stopped signing the iOS 16.3 update shortly after the release of iOS 16.3.1 last February 13.

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Attendees examine a brand new iPhone 14 Pro during an Apple special event on September 07, 2022 in Cupertino, California. Apple CEO Tim Cook 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 at $249.

Apple Blocks iOS 16.3 Downgrades for iPhone

As per a report by Mac Rumors, Apple blocks downgrades of older versions when a new update dishes out to iPhone users.

Some users might find this move somewhat restrictive. However, the renowned tech giant stopped signing outdated iOS versions to encourage them to get their hands on the latest update, which usually brings critical security and bug fixes, among other improvements.

And as such, when iPhone users stick to an older update, it usually exposes their devices to a few security vulnerabilities actively exploited in the wild.

Given that, Apple is now blocking iOS 16.3 downgrades several days after releasing the latest iOS.16.1 version. It should encourage users to stick to the newer update.

Apple iOS 16.3 Update

Tom's Guide notes in its story that the iOS 16.3 update offers some new features and important bug fixes, improving the overall experience.

The update addressed annoying bugs like the horizontal lines on iPhone 14 Pro Max models. It also got rid of Siri, the iPhone lock screen, and CarPlay issues.

As for the new features, version 16.3 introduced security authentication for Apple ID users and a new mode for the Emergency SOS via satellite call feature. The update also enhanced the HomePod Handoff feature, which allows users to control their HomePod speakers using their iPhones.

Read Also: ​​Apple iPhone Pro 15 USB-C Port Image Have Leaked: Here's What to Expect

Are iPhone Users Stuck with iOS 16.3.1?

All that said, iOS 16.3 brought minor improvements and new nifty features. On the other hand, iOS 16.3.1 is a bit more serious about smashing critical security issues and bugs.

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A customer uses her new smartphone during the release of the iPhone 6s at an Apple store in Shanghai on September 25, 2015. Apple launched the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus on September 25 featuring 3D touch screen technology.

If you have installed the new iOS 16.3.1, you may no longer downgrade to the previous version.

According to Forbes, Apple confirmed that the latest iOS release fixes an actively exploited security issue. The tech giant says that it "is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited."

It means hackers may have started exploiting the CVE2-2023-23529 security issue, which the latest update addresses. Given that, iPhone users are encouraged to update their devices.

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