It is possible to roll back to a previous version of the operating system. Apple traditionally leaves this option for a short time after the release of each new OS. A day after the update was released, the company is still issuing certificates for iOS 8.4.1.
Released on September 16, the iOS 9 update is a major software release with a long list of changes and improvements. However, many iPhone and iPad owners report problems with their devices. The failures began at the stage of downloading the update, when people could not receive the promised distribution due to the unavailability of Apple services.
Owners of iOS devices complain about incorrect Wi-Fi operation, missing menu items in settings, graphic artifacts when displaying the interface, and freezing of the operating system. Among the innovations in iOS 9 are improved power consumption algorithms, but in reality, the gadgets’ battery loses charge too rapidly.
Probably, subsequent updates to iOS 9 will fix these problems, but until then, it makes sense to perform a downgrade procedure - rollback to iOS 8 firmware. We are only talking about version iOS 8.4.1 - Apple still issues digital signatures for it. It is worth remembering that the situation can change at any moment.
Requirements:
- iPhone or iPad running iOS 9.0.
- iOS 8.4.1 firmware file in IPSW format.
- iTunes 12.3 for Mac or Windows.
How to downgrade from iOS 9.0 to iOS 8.4.1:
Step 1: Download iOS 8.4.1 IPSW file from this link.
Step 2: Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes. You can download iTunes 12.3.
Step 3: Make a backup of the data on the device. This can be done by going to iCloud settings -> Backup -> Create a backup, or by connecting your iPhone or iPad to your computer and saving a backup using iTunes.
Step 4: Disable Touch ID/Password in the main settings section.
Step 5: Turn off Find My iPhone in Settings -> iCloud.
Step 6: Connect your iPhone or iPad with iOS 9.0 on board to your computer.
Step 7: Open iTunes and select the icon of your gadget in the top bar of the program.
Step 8: Hold Shift on your keyboard (or Alt on OS X) and click the “Restore” button.
Step 9: In the program window, specify the iOS 8.4.1 firmware file downloaded in step 1.
Step 10: Wait for the procedure to complete, the OS recovery process will take some time. You can now use your device with iOS 8.4.1.
While the Internet is buzzing with news on the topic of bypassing Telegram blocking and related problems with hosting companies, I had a more serious problem - the Innologica company has updated the Inoreader application for iOS to version 6.
On a quiet weekday evening, the application on the phone was accidentally updated to the latest version, because... Usually there were no signs of trouble. A couple of days later during the trip, the program was launched to read the news and I began to worry seriously.
You can compare how it was and how it became in two examples:
Of course, the taste and color and the owners of the iPhone X were clearly happy with the optimization for amoled screens, but it was this update that prompted them to look for solutions to roll back the application, which the AppStore does not allow to do by default.
Previously, getting the ipa file of the application was a matter of 2 minutes, it was enough to go to apptrackr and download, but it stopped working and no other similar resources were found that would honestly download the ipa file (but what if you know such ones?).
The following methods remain to obtain the old version of the application:
- You have an old backup of applications from your phone in iTunes and then you can simply copy the application back (but I didn’t have this).
- Use a method quickly described by someone on the Internet using software called Charles. This method is described on resources like 4dpa and copied by many people without understanding what is written there, however, without additional >100 grams it is difficult to understand this writing.
All your torment will begin even before you download Charles. The fact is that if you update iTunes on a Mac, you will not be able to install applications starting from version 12.7. To get it back, you need to install version 12.6.4 back.
Short: download the application via the AppStore in iTunes, then enable the proxy, then download again, edit the request, send the request, get the old version, install.
Details: After launching Charles, you need to install application certificates on your Mac. This is done through the menu Help → SSL Proxying → Install Charles Root Cetrificate. The certificate then needs to be switched to Always Trust status in Keychain Access. If you do not install it, there will be errors and the method will not work.
In iTunes, look for the Inoreader application (this is suitable for any application, but at that moment I was only interested in it), launch Charles and click Download in the application installation window:
In the Charles window you see a similar line with the word “buy” in the address, associated with the apple server:
For information, please note that the size of the downloaded file is 20.4 MB:
Then you need to turn on SSL Proxying to intercept and edit requests:
Since, most likely, you have fast Internet and the application has already been loaded into the application library, you need to remove it from there.
We check once again that SSL Proxying is enabled and proceed to re-download the application from the AppStore; in this case, you need to pause the download so that you have time for the next steps. After clicking on Download, another line will appear in the Charles window in the apple server, containing the word “buy”. Expanding this line you need to find buyProduct:
On the right side of the window, click on Contents and select below XML Text. Scroll down until we find softwareVersionExternalIdentifiers with a list of incomprehensible numbers.
These numbers act as application versions. Accordingly, the lower the number, the older the application version. How do I know which version of the application will be downloaded? For example, I randomly took the value 823964615 from the end of the list:
Now we need to check the application version. To do this, we go to “buyProduct” and select from the menu Compose and on the right side of the window is the Text view.
At the very top of the field there will be a familiar set of numbers after the parameter
Instead of these numbers we substitute the 823964615 copied above and it should turn out like this:
and we do Execute. The program will give you a window and select the display mode XML Text we can find the bundleShortVersionString parameter below and see that the value we selected corresponds to version 5.4.4, which in my case is what is needed, because This version is almost the latest before updating to 6.0
One step left. You need to download this whole thing. To do this, in our last edited request buyProduct with the received version 5.4.4, select in the menu Breakpoints.
Again, go to the AppStore to download the Inoreader application (if the application has already been downloaded to the library and you did not have time to stop it, then simply delete it so that you can download it again).
As soon as you click download in iTunes, the Charles window will pop up, where you will need to click on Edit Request and in the already familiar appExtVrsId parameter, correct the version to 823964615, click Execute, and then again at Execute.
As a result, the application will start loading and you will see that the application size has changed downward:
A program icon with an Update shortcut will appear in the iTunes application library. This will mean that you did everything right. You can do Get Info application and it will be written:
Then we look at the application where it is located in the file system and save it for the future if you suddenly decide to update the application :)
Upon completion of the work, you should do in Charles Disable SSL Proxying by clicking on the server p30-buy.itunes.apple.com.
I must say that I managed to do this procedure 2 times.
I hope this will be as useful to someone as it was to me.
A fairly common situation is that you update an application or game and instead of improved performance and new features, you get a completely non-working tool. Developers of all stripes make similar mistakes, and you can only roll back from a new version to an old one using the Charles Proxy tool.
The Charles Proxy program can also be useful in cases where some functions have been removed in new versions of applications or games. There are a whole host of examples of such remote functions; take, for example, the official VKontakte or YouTube applications, the latest version of which causes only negative emotions in users.
We would like to note right away that despite the apparent complexity, any user can install the old version of any application. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions. In it we installed one of the first versions of the popular social network Instagram application on the iPad.
Step 1: Download, Install and Run Charles Tool for Windows or Mac (Download)
Step 2: Launch iTunes and start downloading the app whose older version you want to install on your iPhone or iPad
Step 3. In the Charles window, select the iTunes server from which the application is downloaded with the word "buy". Right-click on the server name and select Enable SSL Proxying
Step 4: Return to the iTunes window and stop downloading the application
Note: if the application has already been downloaded, then it must be deleted in the “My Programs” section
Step 5: Find the app you want in iTunes again and start downloading it again
Step 6. Go to the Charles window and find another line with the word “ buy" - this is exactly the object we are looking for. Go back to iTunes and stop downloading the app
Step 7. Expand the found thread with the word “ buy" in Charles and find the line buyProduct
Step 8: Select a stitch buyProduct and go to the tab Response, where specify the display type XML Text
Step 9. On the screen, after the line softwareVersionExternalIdentifiers, you will see lines like:
where the seven-digit number represents the application version numbers, arranged in ascending order. In our example, we rolled back Instagram to a truly ancient version 1.8.7, the build number of which was first in the list. In practice, it is most often necessary to roll back to the previous version, so it is recommended to select the build number (the one enclosed in the tag
Step 10. Right click on the item buyProduct and select Edit
Step 11. Select a section XML Text and find the line in the field:
where XXXX is the latest version of the application. Instead of XXXX, you need to paste the value copied in step 9, then click Execute. In our example, we changed the number 81542337 to 2948163, thereby rolling back the latest version of Instagram to the earliest one.
Step 12. Again, right-click on the item buyProduct and select Breakpoints
Step 14: Go to iTunes, find your application and refresh the page (Ctrl + R on Windows). After that, start downloading the tool
Step 15. A moment after you click the download button, you will be transferred to Charles, where you need to switch to the screen Edit Request -> XML Text. In field
Step 16. Then click again Execute
Step 17: Go to iTunes and make sure the app has started downloading. Wait for the download to finish
Step 18: In iTunes, select the " My programs", find your application and right-click on it, select " Intelligence" Here you can make sure that the old version of the application is being downloaded
Attention! In this article I use screenshots from the iPod Touch, but this does not play a significant role. These instructions are equally relevant for iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
Rollback iOS firmware (Downgrade iOS)– installation of an older firmware version. Previously, rolling back firmware to older systems was difficult, but more likely. To do this, the user had to save SHSH certificates (a digital signature unique for each device).
In this case, we are rolling back iOS 9 to iOS 8. These two systems support: iPad 2, iPad Mini 1, iPhone 4s, iPod Touch 5G and newer devices in the line. Rollback is possible for all these devices exclusively on iOS 8.4(as of July 12, 2015) even with saved SHSH.
Now the general case. As a rule, a rollback to an older firmware version is possible:
a) if the previous firmware is still considered current. For example, the whole world is currently testing iOS 9 Public Beta. The official version of iOS 9 will be released in the fall. This means that until this moment the user has the opportunity to flash his device to the officially current iOS 8.4.
b) if the new official firmware has just been released. For example, after the official release of iOS 9, the user will have from 1 to 7 days (maybe a little more) to change his mind and roll back. At some point, Apple suddenly stops signing old firmware and then a rollback is impossible or significantly difficult.
The rollback instructions in this case are identical to the firmware via recovery.
Step 1. Download the firmware from your device, which you can roll back to.
Step 2. Disable the function: “Find iPad, iPhone or iPod” (depending on your device). Settings->iCloud.
If you do not do this, then iTunes will not allow you to update the firmware. After flashing, do not forget to enable the option back.
Step 2. We connect the device to the computer via a cable. Go to iTunes and select the device. We look for the “Restore” button and press while holding down the Alt-Option key (in OS X) or Shift (in Windows).
In a new window, select the downloaded firmware. Then in the window that appears, click “Restore” and the recovery/rollback process begins.
This must be remembered!
The device will be restored to factory settings. That is, before starting the system, you will have to configure it again (you must at least know the password for the Wi-Fi network).
You can roll a backup copy onto an older firmware only if you still have a backup copy made specifically on the old firmware. This is also why it is recommended to save a backup copy to your computer before updating iOS.
Happy rollback everyone! :) If you have any questions, additions or problems, write comments.
Well, you updated your favorite application to the latest current version, but the developers made a mistake and the program began to work worse, or completely cut down its functionality (for example, removing the Audio Recordings section from the VKontakte application). There is no need to be upset, there is a way to downgrade App Store applications.
How to install old version of App Store apps on iPhone and iPad without jailbreak
1 . Download the utility for Windows, OS X or Linux from the developer’s official website. The program is paid, but the first 30 days are provided without the need to make a payment.
2 . Close your browser window.
3 . Install and run.
4 . Grant privileges to the program by clicking the " Grant Priveleges", and then " Install».
5 . Open iTunes, find the application you are interested in and click on the download button.
6 . In the " Structure"in the left side menu of the Charles program, find the line " p…-buy.itunes.apple.com" and select it.
7 . Right-click on this line and select the menu item “ Enable SSL Proxying».
8 . Return to iTunes, stop downloading the application and delete it by pressing the key " Delete».
9 . In the iTunes search, once again enter the name of the application you are interested in, and by going to its page, you will thereby update the content.
10 . Press the button again Download».
11 . In the " Structure"in the left side menu of the Charles program, find the new line " p…-buy.itunes.apple.com" and expand its contents.
12 . Right-click on the file " buyProduct" and select " Export».
13 . Save the file in the "XML Summary file (.xml)" format.
14 . Right-click on the saved file in .xml format and select from the context menu Open in the program → TextEdit(any text editor will do for this procedure).
15
. Scroll down the code until you find the line
These are all possible versions of applications, starting from the oldest to the latest.
16 . Copy the version number.
17 . Go back to Charles and right-click on buyProduct and click " Edit».
18 . At the bottom, select view " Text" and at the top of the text find the following line:
19
. Underneath between the keys
20 . Click the button below Execute».
21 . Charles will create a new file in the branch " buyProduct" (at the very bottom of the "wa" folder).
22 . Go to the " Response", and select " XML Text».
23 . Find the line in the code with the name of the application and its version.
ATTENTION! If the application version does not suit you, then repeat steps 16-23 using brute force, substituting other values in the key
24 . Right-click on " buyProduct" and activate " Breakpoints».
25 . Switch to iTunes, refresh the application page and download it again.
26 . A new Charles window with Breakpoints will appear.
27 . Go to the " Edit Request" and click on " XML Text».
28
. In line
29 . Click the button below Execute».
30 . A new Charles window will open with Breakpoints in which click the “ button again Execute».
31 . Wait until the application download process finishes in iTunes.
32 . Go to the " My programs» and find the downloaded offer.
33 . Right-click on it and click " Intelligence».
34 . As you can see, in our case we downloaded SoundCloud version 3.9.1 while the current version is 3.15.0.
34 . Connect your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to your Mac or PC.
35 . Synchronize the application or simply drag it onto the icon with your device.
How to install old version of App Store apps on jailbroken iPhone and iPad without a computer
1. Install the iFile file manager in Cydia, thanks to which you can access all directories of the drive.
2. Launch iFile and go to /private/var/mobile/Containers/Bundle/Application/. Here you will see a list of all installed applications on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, but, unfortunately, with strange names. So you will have to search for the application at random, opening each folder and looking at the name “ХХХ.app”, where XXX is the name of the application.
By the way, so as not to go through this long path every time (/private/var/mobile/Containers/Bundle/Application/), add the folder to your bookmarks. To do this:
A) on the bottom panel, tap on the icon with shortcuts/bookmarks;
b) go to the tab " Bookmarks»;
V) click on the plus sign in the lower right corner of the display;
G) change the bookmark name if necessary, for example “ All applications" and press " Create».
3. Find the required application whose version you want to roll back.
4. Open the file " iTunesMetadata.plist" and press " Text editor».
5. Scroll down the page until you see the format text:
The numbers refer to the program version. Copy any of the versions. They will also have to be sorted out at random in the future.
6. Install the free App Admin jailbreak tweak from the Cydia BigBoss repository.
7. Open the App Store and find the app you're interested in.
8. Regardless of whether it is installed or not, click the " Download / Open».
9. In the pop-up message, select " Downgrade».
10. Once in the section " Known Versions", you can select one of the old versions available in the list, and if the exact version is not available, then click the plus sign in the upper right corner and paste the code copied in the seventh paragraph there.
11. Wait for the installation to finish (the app download may be very slow. Don't worry, this is normal).
As you can see, we installed an old version of the VKontakte application, which also had an Audio Recordings section.
In the App Store, next to the application, there will, of course, be the inscription “Update”, after clicking on which you will get the latest version.
