Apple pulls back software update after iOS 9.3 locks users out of older devices

IT WAS the update that promised to make Apple devices better, but instead some users of older model smart phones and iPads have been locked out.

IT WAS the update that promised to make Apple devices better, but instead users of older model smart phones and iPads have been locked out.

If you’ve got an iPhone 5 or a fourth generation iPad (or earlier), it’s unlikely you will be getting Night Shift today, after Apple decided to pull back its iOS 9.3 software update.

The company made the decision to restrict the update to newer devices until it sorts out the bug that locked some users out of their phones and iPads.

Along with Night Shift, the new feature that automatically adjusts screen brightness depending on the time of day and location, iOS 9.3 comes with popular new features including employee monitoring notification, pass code protection for Notes, new 3D Touch shortcuts for popular apps and the ability to duplicate photos.

Looks like Apple is still holding back iOS 9.3 for older devices. Took this screen a moment ago on an iPhone 5. pic.twitter.com/dGtijYmmA1

— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) March 25, 2016

Released on March 21, the upgrade has been successfully installed by millions of iPhone 6 users, but some older device users have run into trouble.

There’s a bit of a process to get back into your phone if you’ve locked out.

Apple said in a statement:

“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.

“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.”

Originally published as Apple pulls back software update after iOS 9.3 locks users out of older devices