Highlights
- Apple has now stopped users from signing to the iOS 18.3.1 version, just a week following the release of iOS 18.3.2,
- The update was released to counter a serious security issue regarding a WebKit vulnerability in the iOS 18.3.1 system.
- What this means is users will no longer be able to deliberately downgrade to the previous version, and Apple is seriously enforcing this restriction.
Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.3.1, preventing its users from downgrading to that version. This move follows the release of iOS 18.3.2, an extremely crucial update that patches a major security vulnerability that was found in the previous version. For any user who hasn’t updated their device yet, now is the time to do so.
Apple usually employs a system called “signing” for their iOS updates, determining which version their users can install for their preferred devices. When a new update is released, typically, the older versions cease to be signed within a few weeks. This policy ensures that Apple customers are running with the latest up-to-date, secure, and optimized software that is available. This also makes it so that users cannot downgrade to the previous version through official means.
iOS 18.3.2
iOS security update, Apple is ensuring that all users move forward with the latest security patches. The older versions of iOS often contain security flaws which are fixed by later iOS security updates, and by downgrading, users are exposing their devices to said vulnerabilities. This also allows Apple to have as many users as possible on the latest version and maintain a unified security standard. Finally, the jailbreak community often relies on older iOS versions that have exploitable bugs. By stopping the signing of the previous versions, Apple makes jailbreaking their devices all the more difficult.
iOS 18.3.2 was released on the 11th of March, 2025, as an emergency security update, which primarily addressed a serious WebKit vulnerability that would allow malicious websites to execute arbitrary code on a device. WebKit is the browser engine that powers Safari and other applications, making it a common target for cyberattacks that allow attackers to bypass the browser’s sandbox, leading to unauthorized access to personal data. This type of exploit is particularly lethal as it requires minimal user interaction, just visiting a compromised website could be enough to trigger an attack.
Risks of not updating to iOS 18.3.2
As Apple Blocks iOS 18.3.1, If any users are still running with Apple iOS 18.3.1, they are at risk of falling victim to the security flaws that the new iOS 18.3.2 was designed to fix. Cybercriminals actively search for devices that are running outdated software, as they are much more vulnerable to various attacks. For instance, malicious websites could exploit the WebKit vulnerability to steal sensitive information, ranging from passwords to financial information.
Similarly, attackers could execute arbitrary code on your device, allowing them to gain control over certain functionalities potentially. Exploits such as these also often work in tandem with phishing scams, ultimately tricking unwary users into revealing their data. These are only a few examples of how unwanted individuals could take advantage of vulnerabilities, whose instances can be removed by just installing the recommended updates.
Apple’s decision to stop signing iOS 18.3.1 is a clear indication of the importance of the newer update. With a confirmed security exploit that is actively targeting devices, it is essential to ensure that users are running the latest software. While some may prefer staying on older versions for personal reasons, the risks of doing so far outweigh any benefits. Update your Apple device today to iOS 18.3.2 and keep your devices safe, secure, and protected from all cyber threats.
