Dec 29, 2016 09:13 AM EST By Annie De Vera, UniversityHerald Reporter

Starting this month, customers of Apple's iOS system will not be able to downgrade their operating system into the earlier version of iOS 10, specifically iOS 10.1 and iOS 10.1.1, once they have installed the latest 10.2 update.

Apple Inc. released its iOS 10.2 update earlier this December, which contain the most recent software revisions on the operating system. However, alongside the said update, the company has stopped signing earlier versions of iOS 10, meaning iOS 10.2 is the only version of the mobile OS that can be installed in iOS devices, though beta testers and developers can also download and install the beta version of iOS 10.2.1, MacRumors reported.

Based on other reports, the move is Apple's routinely measure among all its iOS devices to keep users away from potential bugs and security holes. Primarily, the latest update affects jailbreak users the most, though no jailbreak is made available for iOS 10.1 or iOS 10.1.1.

According to Apple Insider, invalidating obsolete code also helps ensure a consistent experience across devices. Lastly, Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out to encourage customers to stay up to date.

Alongside iOS 10.1 and iOS 10.1.1, Apple stopped signing for tvOS 10.0.1 after the announcement of the tvOS 10.1. Apple's latest iOS 10.2 operating system will reportedly introduce Apple's new "TV" app. The said app serves as a smart repository for streaming video content, such as the recommendation system.

In addition to "TV" app, iOS 10.2 also added more redesigned emoji and a new array of 100 new characters. In terms of bug fixes, iOS 10.2 addresses issues in Photos, Messages, Music, News, Mail, Accessibility features and more.

 A number of performance enhancements for first-party apps are also introduced, like the improved stabilization for "Photos" and faster frame rates for "Live Photos," while Messages includes new "love" and "celebration" full-screen animation effects. In addition, "HomeKit" also receives an upgrade with notification support for connected accessories.

Other improvements from the iOS 10.2 update include a widget for the Videos app, three new wallpapers, a "Preserve Camera" setting and a "Press and Hold to Speak" setting for the home button.

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