In an unsurprising move, Apple has stopped signing iOS 13.3 two weeks after version 13.3.1 was released. For iPhone and iPad users, this means downgrading from the latest iOS is no longer an option. And for jailbreak fans, unlocking their iOS devices running on 13.3.1 will be next to impossible.
The latest iOS 13 deployment, as always, is designed to deliver additional features that were not included with the release of the original version. Among the news iOS offerings are the enhanced screen time control and improved for wired and wireless connectivity such as USB and NFC.
However, the most important feature jump packed with iOS 13.3.1 is the upgraded security, which essentially means tinkering with iPhones and iPads running on the version of the operating system will be harder than usual, if not outright impossible.
The release also serves as a hint that jailbreaking is highly discouraged. In fact, Apple not signing iOS 13.3 anymore is the company saying implicitly that attempts to customize iOS devices will not be permitted, according to MacRumors.
"Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to keep their operating systems up to date," the report said, which also indicates that updated iPhones and iPads will generally be safe from hacking or jailbreaking.
This a good news, usually, but for Apple fans used to have full control of their devices, things will be quite difficult with iOS 13.3.1 now locked for a downgrade path. Rumors are rife that a new jailbreak will be coming out, and the tool was created for iOS 13.3.
In a report, 9to5Mac said the new jailbreak will go live anytime this week, courtesy of the independent team of developer unc0ver. The jailbreak is said to work exclusively with iOS devices powered by version 13.3, so would-be users will need to have the exact iOS requirement to avail of the jailbreaking benefits of the upcoming release.
For those who made the jump to version 13.3.1, getting the unc0ver jailbreak will requiring going back to the previous version. But with Apple's decision to stop signing iOS 13.3, the door that leads to this route has been shut down permanently.
"Users on iOS 13.3.1 looking to jailbreak are now stuck on the newest version of iOS and can't downgrade once the jailbreak tool is released," said the same report.
To be excluded, though, from a jailbreak tool is not as heartbreaking as it used to be. Lately, Apple has been providing sufficient control for users on every iOS release, so jailbreaking for many is not as compelling as it used to be.
In addition, many functions, features, and apps too that in the past can be accessed through a jailbroken device can now be found on the official Apple App Store, which makes jailbreaking just an option for the more adventurous users.
