Apple will sign iOS 10.3.3 via OTA for A7 Devices forever

Apple is still signing iOS 10.3.3 for some devices even after its signing window has been closed. Let’s find out why.

iOS 10.3.3 still being signed for A7 devices

iOS 10.3.3 firmware is still being signed by Apple for older devices. These devices are not fully “legacy” just yet so you can upgrade/downgrade freely.

Apple devices having the A7 processor can’t upgrade directly to iOS 11. Users with an A7 iPhone and iPad must go to iOS 10 before updating to iOS 11.

This is why Apple keeping the OTA signing window open to ensure a smooth upgrade to iOS 11 on these devices.

Here’s the complete list of A7 devices –

  • iPhone 5s
  • iPad mini 2
  • iPad mini 3
  • iPad Air

Remember, only devices that came with iOS 7.1 firmware can make use of this window. Your device should also be running iOS 7.0.2 firmware.

Why is it useful?

This “forever” signing window is a blessing for all jailbreakers. Here’s how you can take advantage of it.

Downgrade/upgrade

You can easily downgrade or upgrade to iOS 10.3.3 by spoofing your firmware version to iOS 7.0.2. Spoofing is essential here since IPSW upgrade or downgrade will not work.

However, I wouldn’t recommend upgrading to iOS 10.3.3 from iOS 9 or below. iPhone 5s and other A7 devices can’t handle iOS 10 properly, which will lead to performance issues.

ios firmware

You will obviously need to have a jailbreak for editing the systemversion.plist file. You can do this with Filza file manager available on BigBoss Cydia repository.

Move to a jailbreak-compatible firmware

You can easily utilize iOS 10.3.3 SEP to downgrade with Future Restore utility. This will allow you to go to firmware versions that are compatible with Yalu jailbreak.

Alitek, the developer of iDeviceReRestore, has demonstrated a restore using iOS 10.3.3 OTA SEP.

Needless to say, valid SHSH Blobs for your destination firmware will be needed.

What will you be doing now – staying on older versions or upgrading to iOS 10.3.3? Let us know in the comments section below.

For more firmware news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

8 Comments

  1. Rallapalli Gowtham March 9, 2018
    • iOS Expert March 9, 2018
  2. Bobby February 28, 2018
    • iOS Expert February 28, 2018
  3. opux February 20, 2018
    • iOS Expert February 20, 2018
  4. SleiYah December 30, 2017
    • iOS Expert December 30, 2017

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