Once You Upgrade to iOS 11, You’re Stuck

If you’re currently running iOS 10 or something older you better be sure about that upgrade to iOS 11 because once you make the move, there’s no going back.

Without warning, Apple’s closed off the downgrade path to its iOS 10.3.3 update. With the iOS 10.3.3 downgrade closed, there’s no longer a way to downgrade from the company’s iOS 11 update to the iOS 10 operating system.

Unfortunately, this change is permanent. The company won’t start signing off on iOS 10.3.3 or any other iOS 10 updates down the road. Apple’s also stopped signing off on iOS 11.0, the original version of iOS 11 it released to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch owners back in mid-September. That’s the bad news.

The good news is there’s still a way to downgrade from the current version of iOS 11.

Those dealing with iOS 11.0.2 problems have the option to downgrade down to the company’s older iOS 11.0.1 update. Like iOS 11.0.2, iOS 11.0.1 was also a bug fix update.

It’s unclear how long Apple will continue to sign off on the iOS 11.0.1 update so those looking to drop down will need to make a move sooner rather than later.

This change also affects those using the iOS 11.1 beta as it limits the downgrade to just two versions of iOS 11. Those testing the company’s iOS 11.1 beta can downgrade to iOS 11.0.1 or iOS 11.0.2.

With the downgrade now closed, iOS 10 users and owners of older devices now have a difficult choice to make: Stick around on older software or upgrade to iOS 11 and face significant changes to the UI, core apps, and potential problems.

iPhone and iPad users continue to complain about a variety of iOS 11 problems including issues with apps, Bluetooth, and severe battery drain. The company’s first two bug fix updates squashed several notable issues but the company still has quite a bit of work to do as we push toward the release of the iPhone X.

Apple’s iOS 11.1 update is a milestone upgrade. As such, it should come with new features and a fairly substantial list of fixes for iOS 11 problems.

The company hasn’t announced an official iOS 11.1 release date but all signs point to a release in late October alongside one of the iOS 11 feature’s Apple delayed beyond the initial release in September.

Apple employees are currently testing Apple Pay Cash on iOS 11.1 and the company recently confirmed a late October launch date for the service.

Those dealing with iOS 11 problems and those looking to pay friends with Apple Pay via the company’s Messages app should keep an eye on iOS 11.1 as it progresses through Apple’s beta programs.

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