In a swift response to emerging technical issues, Apple has recently pulled the second beta version of its iOS 17.3 update. This decision was taken just hours after the update’s release, following numerous complaints from users experiencing crashes and system failures.
Apple suspends latest iOS 17.3 beta after reports of bricked iPhones
The issues were significant enough for Apple to remove the new beta versions of both iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 from the developer center. Consequently, these updates are no longer available for download or installation.
Users across various platforms, including social media and Apple’s official support forum, reported that their iPhones were stuck in a boot loop – a continuous reboot sequence – following the installation of the new update. This malfunction rendered the phones inoperable, potentially trapping them in a startup sequence without access to the main interface.
iOS and iPadOS 17.3 Beta 2 have been pulled by Apple and are no longer available for download. Beta 1 is offered instead pic.twitter.com/v3BrruYzBa
— iSoftware Updates (@iSWUpdates) January 3, 2024
The severity of the problem lies in its potential to force users into a factory reset, leading to the loss of all data and files on the device, especially for those without a backup.
Some users speculated that the issue might be linked to the “Back Tap” feature, although this has not been confirmed. Apple has not yet issued an official comment regarding the specifics of the issue or the reasons behind the update withdrawal.
Fortunately, the withdrawal of the iOS 17.3 second beta version occurred only three hours post-release, and the update was limited to developers, not the general user base.
Apple generally advises against installing beta versions on primary devices to avoid such critical issues. The company is still in the process of testing the iOS 17.3 beta update, which promises new features and enhancements, including improved protection for stolen phones.
