How can I remove iPadOS 17 beta (revert to 16) when my mac is still on Ventura?

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Level 1

11 points

How can I remove iPadOS 17 beta (revert to 16) when my mac is still on Ventura?

I thought I'd try out the iPadOS 17 public beta but it's causing all sorts of problems as I can't update my mini or iPhone (and therefore can't update my watch), so I want to get my iPad back on iPadOS 16.

I started by turning off Beta Updates on the iPad, so then it said it's running iPadOS 17.0 instead of Beta 5.

The trouble is that to revert iPadOS everything I can find online says I need to connect it to my Mac and use Finder to run a restore... but when I connect it, the Mac says "a software update is required to connect to your iPad" and then fails to install it: "Can't install the software because it is not currently available from the Software Update server."

I can't restore the iPad because macOS needs an update before it can talk to it... but I can't update my mac (it's up to date, running macOS Ventura 13.5.1)

I've reached the point that I just erased my iPad and did a fresh setup (i.e. didn't restore anything) but it still says it's on iPadOS 17 :(

How do I get my iPad back to iPadOS 16?

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iPad = iPad Pro 11" 3rd gen [A2377]

mac = Mac mini (late 2018) [Macmini8,1]

iPad Pro

Posted on Sep 3, 2023 3:30 AM

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Answer 1

pah57 Author

Level 1

11 points

Sep 3, 2023 9:52 AM in response to pah57

Success!

I found "Restore Shipping Software" - Apple Beta — Restore Shipping Software

The instructions seem quite similar to what I tried before but this time it worked!

It's now back to running iPadOS 16.6

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Answer 2

Sep 4, 2023 4:10 AM in response to pah57

If you are currently enrolled in a beta programme and wish to return to using the current production version, this support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

In restoring the production version, you will only be able to restore the most recent version of iPadOS supported by your iPad - at time of writing, this being iPadOS 16.6.

All System Updates are digitally signed by Apple - and can only be installed whilst the digital signatures remain valid. After release of a new iOS/iPadOS version, the immediately preceding version continues to be digitally signed by Apple - however, usually within a few days, Apple will revoke the digital certificate with which the earlier version is signed.

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Answer 3

NixonNK

Level 1

8 points

Sep 3, 2023 6:45 AM in response to pah57

Hi pah57,

Unfortunately, it is not possible in any way to "degrade" your iOS from a higher level to a lower level. As in the terms and conditions of the update for iOS, it states that you can not uninstall iOS 17 Beta if you have updated to iOS 17. Your only option is to wait until September 12 where iOS 17 will officially release, where all bugs and stability issues will be gone. All the best, have a great day pah57.

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Answer 4

pah57 Author

Level 1

11 points

Sep 3, 2023 7:47 AM in response to NixonNK

That sucks - they need to fix the incompatibility with Ventura quickly then

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How can I remove iPadOS 17 beta (revert to 16) when my mac is still on Ventura?

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