Apple has pulled the recently released iOS 17.3 beta 2 update just hours after its release, following multiple reports of iPhones being stuck in boot loops and becoming bricked after installing the update.
Background on iOS 17.3 Beta Updates
iOS 17.3 beta 1 was released by Apple on December 20, 2023 to developers and public beta testers. This initial beta brought several new features and changes like support for the second-generation AirPods Pro, updates to the Home architecture, and more.
Just two weeks later on January 3, 2024, Apple seeded iOS 17.3 beta 2 to developers. This second beta was expected to fix bugs from the first beta and add some additional changes.
However, shortly after its release, multiple users began reporting serious issues when trying to install iOS 17.3 beta 2.
Issues Faced After Installing iOS 17.3 Beta 2
Several iPhone users who installed the iOS 17.3 beta 2 update reported that their devices entered boot loops and essentially became bricked and unusable.
Analysis of the issues points towards the beta 2 update causing iPhones to continuously restart, preventing users from being able to properly use their devices.
Additionally, some users faced overheating issues after installing the update. As one user reported on Twitter:
“Installed iOS 17.3 beta 2 on my iPhone 14 Pro and immediately it entered a boot loop and kept restarting. Also noticed it getting very hot. Had to finally force restart and wipe the software to get it working again.”
Several other users echoed facing similar reboot issues that rendered their iPhones unusable unless they factory reset the device.
Apple’s Response and Future Updates
Likely due to the severity of the bricking issues, Apple responded swiftly by pulling the iOS 17.3 beta 2 update only 2 hours after its release.
The company sent out a updated developer beta build, iOS 17.3 beta 3, on January 4 that should hopefully fix the previous build’s show-stopping bugs.
| iOS Version | Release Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 17.3 beta 1 | December 20, 2023 | Initial beta with new features |
| iOS 17.3 beta 2 | January 3, 2024 | Pulled after 2 hours due to bricking issues |
| iOS 17.3 beta 3 | January 4, 2024 | Bug fixes for reboot loop and overheating problems |
The quick turnaround of a new beta build indicates Apple is working urgently to address these critical iPhone-bricking bugs introduced accidentally in the previous beta.
The company will likely continue testing over the next couple weeks before releasing iOS 17.3 to the general public. Given the severity of bugs in the now pulled beta 2, Apple will want to extensively test beta 3 and any additional releases to prevent any PR headaches from another botched rollout.
Impacts on Apple
This is not the first connectivity-related issues faced by iPhone users recently. Last week, Apple had rolled out an iOS 17.2.1 update to iPhones that led to an inability to connect to cellular networks and make calls for many users.
The company had subsequently issued an iOS 17.2.2 update to address this previous bug. However, that issue combined with now the pulling of the iOS 17.3 beta 2 indicate Apple has faced software quality and testing challenges leading to critical iPhone bugs slipping into public releases.
While the company has acted quickly to fix these problems, the repeated connectivity and bricking issues from iOS updates could hurt Apple’s brand image and reliability as a high-quality premium tech manufacturer. Users expect Apple’s signature tight integration between hardware and software to prevent such show-stopping flaws with basic functionality like cellular connectivity in a smartphone.
To rebuild customer confidence, Apple will need to carefully evaluate their testing processes and quality control to prevent further major bugs in rapid iterations of iOS releases.
What Users Should Do
For iPhone users currently unable to use their devices after installing iOS 17.3 beta 2, the only option is to completely erase and factory reset the device to reinstall a stable iOS version. Users can enter recovery mode and force restore firmware using a Mac or PC to get their device working again.
Users still running iOS 17.2.1 should update to the latest iOS 17.2.2 release to fix the earlier cellular connectivity bugs.
And all users should hold off from installing any iOS 17.3 betas, and wait for the public release which should arrive in the coming weeks after Apple has sufficiently addressed all known bugs and stability issues.
Outlook on iOS 17.3 Release
This latest beta release debacle has likely delayed the public release timeline for iOS 17.3. Originally expected to come out by end of January, Apple will now take extra time validating beta 3 and subsequent release candidate builds before approving the version for general iPhone users.
Barring any other issues cropping up during the testing cycle, we can expect iOS 17.3 to drop in mid-to-late February 2024.
The final public production release will bring several new capabilities like support for the second-gen AirPods Pro earbuds announced last year. iOS 17.3 is also expected to lay the groundwork for the long-rumored Apple mixed reality headset anticipated to be unveiled later this year.
For now, Apple still has some testing and rebuild work cut out to bounce back from two straight iOS updates causing severe problems with iPhone connectivity and stability. But the company has the resources and developer talent to address these challenges quickly.
By taking more time to test and validate iOS releases in the future, Apple can prevent further missteps and deliver the level of seamless iPhone experience customers expect. iOS 17.3 will be the next milestone to demonstrate whether Apple can achieve that bar.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
