Apple disables the option to downgrade to older versions of iOS 11

Apple is currently beta testing iOS 11.3, the next major update to the mobile operating system for iPhones.

Apple stops signing older versions of iOS 11 (REUTERS)

Following the release of iOS 11.2.5, Apple has now stopped signing the three previous versions of its mobile operating system.

Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out in order to encourage users to keep their operating systems up-to-date.

"For instance, prior to today, a user running iOS 11.2.5 would have been able to downgrade to either 11.2, iOS 11.2.1, or iOS 11.2.2 through iTunes. That downgrading window is now closed," 9to5Mac reported late on Wednesday.

The iPhone maker has particularly stopped signing iOS 11.2, iOS 11.2.1 and iOS 11.2.2 for all its devices.

Apple rolled out iOS 11.2.5, with Siri enhancements, official support for the smart speaker HomePod and a host of bug fixes and performance improvements.

Coinciding with the public release of iOS 11.2.5, the Cupertino-based giant started beta testing iOS 11.3, which includes features such as new Animoji, iMessages in the Cloud, AirPlay 2 including others.

"This spring, iOS 11.3 will deliver exciting new ways to experience Augmented Reality on iPhone and iPad, new Animoji on iPhone X and the ability to view health records in the Health app," Apple had said in a statement.

A major feature in the update will be to show battery health and recommend when a battery needs to be serviced.

Users can also see if the power management feature -- first introduced in iOS 10.2.1 -- is on and can choose to turn it off, the company said.

This feature is available for devices such as iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.