Following reports of activation errors from users updating older iPhones and iPads to Apple's recent iOS 9.3 release, which rendered their devices unusable, the company on Thursday recognized the issue and temporarily paused downloads for affected models as it works on a fix.
Apple has released a new build of iOS 9.3 for the iPad 2 that likely fixes activation issues encountered by some users when updating.
When updating to iOS 9.3 on older devices, users were asked to enter their Apple ID and password. However, if the user didn't remember their password the device became stuck in an inactivated state.
According to a statement provided to iMore, the problem lies in the password authorization phase of the iOS 9.3 setup process. The exact issue has not been revealed, though Apple seems to believe users are at least partially to blame.
"Updating some iOS devices (iPhone 5s and earlier and iPad Air and earlier) to iOS 9.3 can require entering the Apple ID and password used to set up the device in order to complete the software update," Apple said. "In some cases, if customers do not recall their password, their device will remain in an inactivated state until they can recover or reset their password. For these older devices, we have temporarily pulled back the update and will release an updated version of iOS 9.3 in the next few days that does not require this step."
There were iOS 9.3 issues earlier this week, noting certain device owners, specifically those with older generation hardware like the iPad 2, were unable to proceed past the password authentication stage after installing Apple's new software. Those affected usually see authentication error messages in line with Apple's statement.
Some users found success in downloading iOS 9.3 through iTunes on a Mac and installing the firmware via a hardwired connection, suggesting there is an underlying issue on Apple's end. Others have found a full system restore also works, though the method is hit-or-miss.
In conjunction with the announcement, Apple published a support document offering workaround suggestions. The company urges affected users to reset their password through iCloud, perform an iTunes-based installation and activation, or remove Activation Lock through iCloud.com. As reported on Tuesday, those who tried these methods have found limited success.
Apple has recently pushed a new build of iOS 9.3 to fix this error in activations.
The new build of iOS 9.3 for iPad 2 is number 13E236. You can download it from below.
Latest:
- 9.3 (iPad 2 Wi-Fi): iPad2,1_9.3_13E233_Restore.ipsw
- 9.3 (iPad 2 GSM): iPad2,2_9.3_13E236_Restore.ipsw
- 9.3 (iPad 2 CDMA): iPad2,3_9.3_13E233_Restore.ipsw
- 9.3 (iPad 2 New): iPad2,4_9.3_13E233_Restore.ipsw
[via iMore]
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