Apple is taking an unexpected step for the legendary iPhone and iPad models it released years ago and is officially stopping the signing of older iOS versions.

This new decision, which was implemented as of July 8, 2026, directly affects nostalgic devices such as the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, first generation iPad small and iPad 2.

Technology enthusiasts who use these devices or have them in their collection can no longer downgrade their devices to older versions such as iOS 6.1.3, 8.4.1, 9.3.5 or 10.3.3, and cannot restore them from scratch when the device crashes.

What Does It Mean to Stop Software Signing?

When you want to install or downgrade an operating system in the Apple ecosystem, your device must connect to Apple servers and obtain a digital confirmation, that is, a signature.

Apple usually protects users against security vulnerabilities by turning off the signature of the old version a few days or weeks after releasing a new iOS version.

However, it is quite rare for the company to suddenly discontinue this support for versions such as iOS 6, iOS 8, iOS 9 and iOS 10, which have been more than ten years.

Removing the signature boost does not mean that your device will suddenly break down if one of these old versions is already installed on your device. So, if you have a working device, you can continue to use it without any problems.

However, if there is a software problem on your device, if the device always restarts itself, or if you completely reset the system and want to install it on the computer again with the IPSW document, Apple servers will no longer approve this.

Therefore, for collectors or those who want to modify devices, there is a risk that these works will turn into irreparable electronic waste.

Which Devices and iOS Versions Are Affected?

According to the latest data, the versions and device combinations for which Apple has pulled the verification plug are listed as follows:

• iPhone 5 (GSM and CDMA): iOS 10.3.3 and iOS 10.3.4 (IPSW files), iOS 8.4.1 (OTA installation)

• iPhone 5c (GSM and CDMA): iOS 10.3.3 (IPSW files)

• iPad small Wi-Fi + Cellular (1st Generation): iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 (IPSW files), iOS 8.4.1 (OTA installation)

• iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (CDMA): iOS 9.3.5 and iOS 9.3.6 (IPSW files), iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 8.4.1 (OTA installation)

Why Is Apple Pulling the Plug on Old Versions?

Apple has been consistently implementing its policy of shutting down reversion to older versions for years in order to maximize device security with each new update.

Especially as we reach 2026, the significant complexity of cyber security threats and the known security vulnerabilities (exploits) contained in older iOS versions push the company to make such radical decisions.

Preventing vulnerabilities discovered in the past from being used by malicious individuals is among Apple’s top priorities.

As a reminder, Apple divided its operating systems into two with iPadOS 13.This shows that older iPad models used the iOS kernel directly at that time.

As an interesting detail, while the iOS 10.3.4 version, which was released specifically for the iPhone 5 model to solve GPS problems, was included in this restriction, the iPhone 5c model, which completed its life with the latest iOS 10.3.3 update, also gets its share of these new restrictions.

Although these devices constitute a very small, or even negligible, percentage of the active user base today; This development is a great disappointment for hobbyists, software enthusiasts, and independent developers who want to preserve their nostalgic technology works.

With this latest intervention in old devices, Apple once again proves to the technology world that ecosystem control and security will be implemented in a woodless form not only in new models but also in old records on the server side.