Apple closes iOS 16.5.1 verification channel, preventing users from downgrading from iOS 16.6

On August 2, Apple released the iOS 16.6 update last week, bringing 16 security fixes to iPhone and iPad users. Now Apple has closed the verification channel for iOS 16.5.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1, which means that users who have upgraded to the new version of the system can no longer downgrade to this version.

iOS 16.5.1 was released on June 21 and fixed issues with Lightning to USB camera adapters, as well as two security vulnerabilities. One of the vulnerabilities allowed arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, and the other was a WebKit vulnerability that allowed malicious web content to execute arbitrary code. Apple also provided additional security patches for iOS 16.5.1 through multiple security response updates.

iOS 16.6 was released on July 24 and fixed 16 security vulnerabilities in multiple areas including the kernel, Find My, WebKit, and Apple's neural engine. Apple said two of the vulnerabilities may be actively exploited.

IT Home noticed that iOS 16.6 may be the last update for iOS 16 before the official release of iOS 17 this fall, which also means that this may be the last software update for devices such as iPhone 8 and iPhone X that do not support iOS 17. However, Apple may provide security patches for these devices for at least another year.