Apple removed the iOS 17.3 Beta 2 issue after reporting that some iPhone models were stuck in a boot loop due to the update.
iOS 17.3 Beta 2 Reportedly Broke iPhones for Some Users
Wednesday,
Apple has released the second generation for its current beta cycle, rolling out the iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 developer betas. Now it seems that Apple has removed update version 21D5036c for iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3.
Code detective Guilherme Rambo discovered that the boot loop is caused by a crash of a system called “backboardd”. This means that the boot loop should only occur for devices that have “Back Tap” enabled.
It appears that iOS 17.3 Beta 2 places some iPhone models (12, 13, 14, and 15 series, based on reports) in a boot loop. So maybe refrain from installing for now pic.twitter.com/MBTyZHQ1Tj
– iSoftware Updates (@iSWUpdates) January 3, 2024
Currently, users affected by the issue have reported that rolling back to a previous version, such as iOS 17.3 or iOS 17.2.1, can resolve the issue. However, this poses a challenge for those without the proper backups.
Beta 1 builds are still available for anyone who needs to restore their bricked iPhone.
AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggests that users do not install test operating systems or other beta or RC software on “critical” or primary devices, as there is a small risk of issues that could result in data loss. Instead, testers should use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure that they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.
Updated January 3 at 4:20 p.m. ET: Apple has removed the offending iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 beta 2 update.