Apple pulls back iOS 9.3 for older devices

March 29, 2016, 8:41 am
Apple pulls back iOS 9.3 for older devices
Sorry iPhone 5 users, you probably won`t be getting Night Shift today.
The launch of iOS 9.3, one of Apple`s more significant "point" mobile OS updates, didn`t go down so well for those owning older iOS devices. The latest software, in some cases, is locking users out, so Apple made the unusual decision to pull it back just for those trying to update somewhat newer Apple mobile products.
Mashable tried this out with one of our own older devices:
Looks like Apple is still holding back iOS 9.3 for older devices. Took this screen a moment ago on an iPhone 5. pic.twitter.com/dGtijYmmA1
?? Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) March 25, 2016
An Apple spokesperson later confirmed the decision for a hold and sent along this statement:
Updating some iOS devices (iPhone 5s and earlier and iPad Air and earlier) to iOS 9.3 can require entering the Apple ID and password used to set up the device in order to complete the software update. In some cases, if customers do not recall their password, their device will remain in an inactivated state until they can recover or reset their password. For these older devices, we have temporarily pulled back the update and will release an updated version of iOS 9.3 in the next few days that does not require this step.
With features like Night Shift, which automatically reduces screen brightness based on time of day and location, employee monitoring notification, new education features, pass code protection for Notes and a slew of other feature enhancements, iOS 9.3 was one of the more eagerly anticipated updates.
It`s also been available since March 21, which means millions have probably already updated to the iOS, most without issue. However, those running devices like the iPhone 5 or the fourth-generation iPad might have run into a little trouble. In that case, Apple`s provided some guidance on how to retrieve your password and reactivate your device here.
While Apple is promising to release iOS 9.3 for these older devices within a few days, it`s also possible that we`ll see a general bug fix update that rolls out to all iOS 9.3 users. iOS 9.3.1, anyone?
 
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