Why do Apple Release old .ipsw files if it is not possible to restore?

For example, here:

******

So if I need to revert a device to iOS 8.0.2 for testing (see here *********) then I have to find a retailer which has one in the box with that iOS version. And hope that iTunes does not update it when I activate it?

Or perhaps I could just borrow the user's device (see the link for further info)?

Thanks, again- any other suggestions?

<Link Edited by Host>

Thanks all for your replies, but the link I have is certainly an Apple link- see the first part of the url: *****

Yes, thanks- I understand the simulator is able to test some features, but many (e.g. microphone and push messaging) are unavailable, making this testing impossible.

It is just infuriating to have these files available but not be able to use them - hence I ask, why are the available if they cannot be used (because they are not signed and therefore cannot be restored/installed onto an iPad via iTunes)?

Does anyone please know how I can use these files? Thanks!

Thanks ckuan,

I understand that the iOS8.3 is the current latest version for this device (iPad Air - iPad4,2 A1475 (EMC 2647*) Oct 2013*). Apparently this iPad came with iOS7 preinstalled.

What I don't understand is why it is possible to download the ipsw for e.g. iOS8.0.2 when it can't be used? What's the point?

Do you/does anyone please know why does Apple make the ipsw for e.g. iOS8.0.2 available if they will only allow the restore to iOS8.3? The files are big and I do not understand why they are available if they can't be used. Is there something I am missing? Is there a way that these files can be used? I am looking to try and make some of our devices use older versions of iOS (for whatever reason they were upgraded or restored before I arrived) so that I can test on the device, not the simulator.

Thanks again!

Thanks, yes I understand that you cannot revert to a previous version because of SHSH signing. But I wonder why these files are available if they cannot be used? What's the point?

KiltedTim wrote:

As you've already been told, you can't.

Well that shut me up!

KiltedTim wrote:

Those files are not intended for public consumption.

Thanks- know why they might be available then please? Are they intended for legitimate developer private consumption? Please see my thread here on the developer forums: https://devforums.apple.com/message/1139253

Thanks, I'm not confused about a response, simply pasting a link to avoid repeating myself.

KiltedTim wrote:

You've already been told that as well. Try READING the responses you've already gotten. If you're confused about a response you got in the developers forums, then go ask there instead of here in the public forums.

The closest I can see here is speculation as to why they might be available (and lots of speculation on the 'fact' that they are not available), suggestions to go ask elsewhere or answers which didn't grasp the question when I hadn't provided enough information. So I was wondering if anyone with actual experience or fact based knowledge could answer.

Unless this answer of yours: "Use the emulator to test your app with older versions of iOS." Is supposed to read "In order to be able to use the emulator...".

Only iOS7 is supported in the latest version of xCode, not iOS6. Thanks though!