Can I install IOS 7 on my iPhone 4s, instead of IOS 8?

Question

Level 1

11 points

Can I install IOS 7 on my iPhone 4s, instead of IOS 8?

I have an iPhone 4S running IOS 6.1.3.

I would like to install IOS 7. I have a download claiming to be the latest 7 available. The download is named:

iPhone4,1_7.0_11A465_Restore.ipsw

Going through iTunes on my iMac, or through the Software Update in my General Settings on the phone, it only gives me the choice of upgrading to IOS 8.4.

I don't want IOS 8 on my 4S. It will slow it way down and it's designed for a bigger screen. I have a few apps I'd like to download that require IOS 7 or higher.

Is there a way to install the download I have, or get an IOS 7 that I can install?

Thanks for any help.

iPhone 4S, iOS 6.1.3

Posted on Jul 26, 2015 6:16 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 26, 2015 6:20 PM in response to Mug

There is no method to upgrade to an intermediate version of iOS. It is either iOS 8.4 or remain at 6.1.3.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jul 26, 2015 6:21 PM in response to Mug

I'm sorry, but Apple does not provide a downgrade path for iOS. Because downgrading is unsupported by Apple we cannot discuss it on these forums.

You may leave comments at Apple Feedback.

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Answer 3

Mug Author

Level 1

11 points

Jul 26, 2015 6:24 PM in response to Kappy

Are there forums that would discuss it?

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Answer 4

Rysz

Level 8

44,391 points

Jul 26, 2015 6:25 PM in response to Mug

CConnect your iPhone to iTunes. Option-click on the Check for Update button, then direct it to your iipsw file.

More detailed instructions are here: http://osxdaily.com/2013/09/18/how-to-install-upgrade-ios-7-manually-with-ipsw/

Be forewarned that there are many "modified" ipsw files floating around. Make sure yours is from a legitimate source.

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Answer 5

Jul 26, 2015 6:36 PM in response to Mug

We can't discuss that either.

You do realize this is an Apple sponsored forum?

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Answer 6

deggie

Level 10

167,177 points

Jul 26, 2015 6:36 PM in response to Rysz

That will not work. Check the date on the article you are linking to.

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Answer 7

deggie

Level 10

167,177 points

Jul 26, 2015 6:37 PM in response to Mug

iOS 8 would actually be slightly faster than iOS 7 and is slightly smaller. iOS 8 is not specifically designed for a larger screen.

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Answer 8

Mug Author

Level 1

11 points

Jul 26, 2015 7:46 PM in response to Mug

Thank you all for your responses.

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Answer 9

Rysz

Level 8

44,391 points

Jul 26, 2015 8:49 PM in response to deggie

The date corresponds to the iOS version the OP has.

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Answer 10

deggie

Level 10

167,177 points

Jul 27, 2015 7:40 AM in response to Rysz

The date corresponds to when iOS 7 was the current version and was still signed. You can do the same thing now with iOS 8.4.

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Answer 11

Mug Author

Level 1

11 points

Jul 27, 2015 1:04 PM in response to deggie

Would you talk a little more about the differences, and potential deficits, or lack there of, of using IOS 8.4 on an iPhone 4S?

I had read some posts that said 8 was designed to have more icons on the home page, and of slow hanging up and sometimes freezing of the screen when doing some functions that involve downloading.

I can't go back if I upgrade and don't want to render the phone a doorstop.

Thanks.

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Answer 12

deggie

Level 10

167,177 points

Jul 27, 2015 1:07 PM in response to Mug

I think you would have a hard time telling the difference between iOS 7 and iOS 8 if you looked at both of them except I think iOS 8 looks better.

If you are that concerned about it I would stay at iOS 6 until such time as you can upgrade your iPhone.

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Answer 13

Mug Author

Level 1

11 points

Jul 27, 2015 8:15 PM in response to deggie

Thanks, Deggie.

Have you seen any of the slow-down issue, or is that impatient people?

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