Apple is no longer signing iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, iOS 17.7.1, and iPadOS 17.7.1 for iPhone and iPad, which means you can no longer downgrade.
iOS 18.1 and iOS 17.7.2 No Longer Being Signed, Downgrade from iOS 18.1.1 and iOS 17.7.2 No Longer Possible
iOS 18.1 and iOS 17.7.1 have been around for quite some time, although newer updates are available – iOS 18.1.1 and iOS 17.7.2.
Today, Apple is no longer signing iOS 18.1 and iOS 17.7.1, which means if you had plans to downgrade from iOS 18.1.1 or iOS 17.7.2, you can no longer do that.
Once a particular firmware is no longer signed, you cannot upgrade or downgrade to it no matter what you tried, therefore it’s a waste of time to attempt something at this point.
In all honesty, it’s best to install the latest iOS 18.1.1 and iOS 17.7.2 updates since they are loaded with a bunch of important security-related fixes for both iPhone and iPad.
If you want to update to the latest firmware, it’s as easy as going to Settings > General > Software Update on either your iPhone or iPad.
I don’t see any reason why you should stick around with older firmware at this point. Unless, unless you are testing or using an app that is strictly compatible with an older version of iOS and iPadOS.
Do keep in mind Apple closing the signing window is an absolutely normal thing. Whenever a new software update becomes available, it will sign the older version for a week or two until it blocks it completely.
