Firmware FAQ

An IPSW is the complete firmware package Apple uses to install or restore iOS, iPadOS, macOS (Apple silicon), watchOS, tvOS and audioOS. It contains the operating system, the baseband/modem firmware and the boot chain for one or more specific device models.

Yes. We never host or modify firmware. Every download button points directly to Apple’s own servers (updates.cdn-apple.com or appldnld.apple.com), and each firmware page lists the SHA1 and SHA256 checksums so you can verify the file yourself.

When you install firmware, your device asks Apple for a personalised signature. Apple only hands out signatures for a small set of versions — usually the latest one, and the previous one for a week or two after a release. If a version is unsigned, Finder and iTunes will refuse to install it. Check the live signing status.

1. Download the IPSW for your exact model (use Identify if unsure).
2. Connect the device to a Mac (Finder) or Windows PC (Apple Devices / iTunes).
3. Hold Option on Mac or Shift on Windows and click Restore (or Check for Update to keep your data).
4. Select the IPSW and wait until the device shows the Hello screen.

Restore erases the device. Check for Update with an IPSW keeps your data, but only works when installing a newer version than the one you have. Always back up first.

iPhone 8 and later: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until you see the computer icon. iPhone 7: hold Volume Down + Side. iPhone 6s and earlier, iPads with a Home button: hold Home + Top/Side. iPads with Face ID: Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold the Top button.

Only to versions that are still signed. Once Apple stops signing a version, downgrading is impossible on modern devices without saved SHSH blobs and a compatible exploit.

Each IPSW is built for specific model identifiers (like iPhone17,1). Using the wrong file fails with an error. Find your model number in Settings → General → About and enter it on our identify page.

Downloads come straight from Apple’s CDN. If it is slow, try again later, use a wired connection or a download manager. Safari can unzip IPSW files automatically on some Macs — if your file ends in .zip or is a folder, rename it back to .ipsw or disable “Open safe files after downloading”.

On iOS 16.4 / macOS 13.4 and later you simply enable Beta Updates in Software Update after joining the free Apple Developer program. Full instructions for each platform are on the beta page.

Apple silicon Macs (M1 and later) are restored from another Mac with Apple Configurator or Finder in DFU mode, using the macOS IPSW. Intel Macs use Internet Recovery instead and do not use IPSW files.

Automatically, around the clock. Our servers refresh the firmware catalogue (via the ipsw.me API) every few minutes and read Apple’s developer release feed every 30 minutes. New releases, betas and signing changes appear without anyone having to edit a page.