Apple has stopped signing iOS 11.1.2 just a few days after the release of iOS 11.2.1 software update. This move from Apple does not come as surprise because the company is known for closing the signing window for an older iOS version soon after the release of a newer one. What does this mean for the jailbreakers? and why would you want the signing window to remain open for an older version? hit the jump to find out in details.
Apple uses a firmware signing process in order to allow installing a certain iOS version on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Once Apple stops signing a particular firmware, it means that you won’t be able to install that iOS version on your device. Now that Apple has stopped signing iOS 11.1.2, it means that all those users who have updated tot he latest iOS 11.2.1 firmware won’t be able to downgrade from iOS 11.2.1 to iOS 11.1.2. The iTunes will through an error 3194 with an explanation that your device is not eligible for the requested build if the user tries to install iOS 11.1.2.
Downgrading becomes of great importance when an older iOS version is jailbreak-able. The release of a recent tpf0 iOS 11.1.2 exploit created a hope for an upcoming jailbreak for the said firmware. The jailbreak (if released) would have been quite useful if it was possible to downgrade iPhone or iPad back to iOS 11.1.2 software version. However, Apple was quick at closing the signing window for not only iOS 11.1.2 but also for iOS 11.1.1 effectively killing the chances of jailbreaking iOS devices by downgrading back to that older firmware version.
This move from Apple does not come as a surprise because the company has been known for not only killing the jailbreak by fixing the exploits in a software update but also stops signing the older exploitable software versions. By adopting this strategy, Apple has been very successful in keeping jailbreaker at bay.
In a recent report, security researchers have successfully jailbroken iPhone X running iOS 11.2.1 software version. However, they have said that they don’t plan to release the jailbreak to the general public. So the wait-game is still on for the much-awaiting iOS 11 jailbreak.
If you’re running an older iOS version and waiting for a jailbreak then it is advisable to avoid updating to the latest version for an increase in your chances of a jailbreak.