Apple recently released iOS 18.3, and as is traditional, it has now stopped signing iOS 18.2.1, making downgrading to that version of iOS no longer possible.
The iOS 18.3 software can be downloaded on compatible devices over the air by going to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update.”
The iOS 18.3 update included the following new features:
Visual intelligence with Camera Control (All iPhone 16 models)
– Add an event to Calendar from a poster or flyer
– Easily identify plants and animalsNotification summaries (All iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max)
– Easily manage settings for notification summaries from the Lock Screen
– Updated style for summarized notifications better distinguishes them from other notifications by using italicized text as well as the glyph
– Notification summaries for News & Entertainment apps are temporarily unavailable, and users who opt-in will see them again when the feature becomes availableThis update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes: – Calculator repeats the last mathematical operation when you tap the equals sign again
– Fixes an issue where the keyboard might disappear when initiating a typed Siri request
– Resolves an issue where audio playback continues until the song ends even after closing Apple Music
The iOS 18.3 update also included 20+ security fixes, including a fix for vulnerability that may have been actively exploited on some devices.
According to Apple’s security support document, there was a bug that could be used to elevate privileges. Apple says that it is aware of a report that the CoreMedia bug could have already been exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 17.2. Apple says the fix for the issue was improved memory management.
iOS 18.3 also addressed over 20 other vulnerabilities.
While falling back to an older iOS version is often used by users who jailbreak their iPhones, it can also be helpful for users who experience significant bugs after upgrading to the latest version of iOS.
By preventing users from downgrading their devices to older versions of iOS, Apple ensures that the devices are kept up to date with the newest security improvements.