Here's why Apple has blocked users from downgrading to iOS 14.4

Apple wants all of its users to be running the latest build so that they’re protected from known security issues. Since the update patches a critical flaw, it makes sense that the company has stopped users from downgrading to the older version.

Here's why you can no longer downgrade your iPhone to iOS 14.4 (David Grandmougin/Unsplash)

Last week, Apple released the iOS 14.4.1 update for iPhone and iPad users, bringing some important security fixes that Apple must have considered important enough to release before its upcoming iOS 14.5 update. The company has now stopped signing the older iOS 14.4 version, meaning users who want to downgrade will no longer be able to ‘roll back' after updating.

While Apple usually allows users to roll back to a previous version for about 10 days after they've installed an update, just in case they run into a critical bug that disrupts daily operations. According to 9to5Mac, Apple has stopped signing its older iOS 14.4 build to prevent downgrades - and the biggest reason is user safety.

Released earlier this month, the iOS 14.4.1 update brought important fixes including a patch for a security flaw that would allow an attacker to run malicious code on users devices, thanks to specially crafted web content. The bug affected Apple's Safari web browser, which means Apple had to release a special update to fix the issue. Unlike Android, Apple's system apps cannot be updated from the App Store.

Apple wants all of its users to be running the latest build so that they're protected from the issue, and since the update patches such a critical flaw, it makes sense that the company has stopped users from downgrading to the older version. However, if you do actually run into a few software issues on your device, the only solution might be to try installing the iOS 14.5 beta and hope that the issue is resolved - or simply wait for the iOS 14.5 update which should be out in the coming weeks.