Introduction

Apple’s latest software update, iOS 16, brought with it several new features and improvements. However, some developers may find that the update causes issues or conflicts with their apps. In this guide, we will show you how to uninstall iOS 16 on your iPhone or iPad, so you can revert back to the previous version if needed.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the uninstallation process, it’s important to note that there are some risks involved. Uninstalling an update means that you will lose all data and apps that were added or updated since the last backup. Additionally, uninstalling an update may void your warranty, so use this method at your own risk.

With that said, here are the steps to uninstall iOS 16

Backup Your Data

Before you begin, it’s essential to back up all of your data to a computer or external hard drive. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important files if something goes wrong during the uninstallation process.

Download the IPSW File

The first step is to download the IPSW file for iOS 15, which is the version of the operating system that was installed before iOS 16. You can find the IPSW file on Apple’s website or by searching online.

Connect Your iPhone or iPad to Your Computer

Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure iTunes is installed on your computer and that it is open.

Select Your Device in iTunes

In iTunes, select your device from the list of connected devices on the left sidebar. This will allow you to see all of the apps and data on your device.

Put Your iPhone or iPad into Recovery Mode

1. Turn off your device.
2. Press and hold the Power button and the Home button (on an iPhone X or later) until the recovery screen appears. On an iPad, press and hold the Power button until the recovery screen appears.
3. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable. iTunes will detect your device and enter recovery mode.

Restore Your Device from Backup

Once your device is in recovery mode, select “Restore” from the options menu. This will begin the process of restoring your device to its previous state, before the iOS 16 update was installed.

Wait for the Process to Complete

The restoration process can take several minutes, depending on the size of your backup and the speed of your computer. Once the process is complete, your device will reboot and you should see the familiar iOS 15 screen.

Install Any Missing Apps

After restoring your device, you may need to install any apps that were updated since the last backup. To do this, open the App Store app on your device and search for the apps you need.

Summary

Uninstalling iOS 16 can be a useful tool for developers who are experiencing issues with the latest update. However, it’s important to note that there are risks involved, and you should only use this method if you are confident in your ability to back up your data and restore your device successfully. By following these steps carefully, you can revert back to the previous version of iOS and continue developing without any issues.