Apple has ceased signing iOS 16.5 and iOS 16.5.1, effectively blocking users from downgrading their iPhones to these specific software versions. This action follows the recent release of a critical security update, iOS 16.5.2, which addressed significant vulnerabilities. Apple routinely stops signing older iOS versions once newer, stable updates are available and have been tested in the wild, ensuring users are on the most secure software.

The company released iOS 16.5.2 on June 29th, granting the previous version a full week before closing the signing window. This update was specifically flagged as important for patching security flaws, with Apple even accelerating some features planned for iOS 16.6 to bolster device security against emerging threats, including AI-powered hacking risks. Currently, iOS 16.5.2 is the latest stable release available to the general public.

Looking ahead, Apple is continuing its beta testing program. iOS 16.6 beta 4 and iOS 17 beta 3 are currently available for developers. The general release of iOS 16