The eventual – and successful – release of iOS 8.0.2 has not only saved Apple from further iOS related embarrassment, but it’s also acted as a catalyst for another internal decision. Hours after successfully pushing out the latest version of iOS, which introduces a number of new features as well as fixing some serious bugs that were accidentally introduced with 8.0.1, Apple has also stopped digitally signing the iOS 7.1.2 firmware, making it impossible for users to downgrade from iOS 8.
The decision to stop signing iOS 7.1.2 isn’t a surprising one. In fact, it was pretty much expected as part of the usual evolution of the iOS platform. Whenever a new version of Apple’s mobile operating system is introduced, earlier versions ultimately become deprecated, meaning the Cupertino company no longer validates the installation via its authentication servers. The decision also means that anyone who has chosen to move across to iOS 8.0.x with a device that supports it other than the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus will now no longer be able to reverse that decision if they find that iOS 8 doesn’t suit their needs.
The good news, if you can call it that, is that iOS 7.1.2 will still be available to those old-school users who are still content with using an iPhone 4 on a regular basis.
Apple’s first Retina ready smartphone, released back in 2010, isn’t compatible with the latest version of iOS due to hardware limitations. Those limitations represent something of a silver lining for individuals still using that device as the Cupertino company’s servers will still process and verify any installation of iOS 7.1.2.
For all you users out there who are running a jailbroken device on iOS 7.1.2 or lower, the advice is to not only stay where you are if you want to keep your jailbreak, but to also exercise caution when randomly accepting prompts on the device or connecting the phone to iTunes. It may seem relatively simple to stick on to the firmware, but it’s unbelievably easy to connect to iTunes and accidentally accept an update prompt. If that happens then the jailbreak will unfortunately be lost.
At present, there is no publicly available jailbreak for any iteration of iOS 8, but the Pangu did confirm that the iOS 8 jailbreak is already being worked on and we should hear more words from them fairly soon.
You may also like to check out:
- iOS 8 Jailbreak Status Update
- Download iOS 8 / 8.0.2 And Install On iPhone 6, 5s, 5c, 5, 4S, iPad, iPod touch [How-To Tutorial]
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.