New IPSW files are released though iTunes or Finder. After a point, Apple discontinues the ability to download old iOS versions. However, multiple third-party sites let you download old and even current versions of IPSW files. Let us know more about this entire process.
Best Sites to Download IPSW File for iPhone, iPad, and iPod TouchHow to Download iOS Firmware Using iTunes or FinderHow to Install IPSW File on Your iOS Device
Best Sites to Download IPSW File for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
The file download will immediately begin. Besides IPSW Downloads, multiple other sites offer download links for IPSW files. Here are some of them. iOS Ninja: It has a modern design, and you can download firmware files for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple TV. The process is fairly simple. All you have to do is choose a device category, select the appropriate model, and click on the desired version of the IPSW file. The download starts immediately. iClarified: This website shows the various versions of IPSW files differently. There is a long list of files with appropriate version name and device. You click on the desired file, and it immediately starts downloading. The interface can be a bit chore to scroll and find the correct version. But overall, it is an excellent place for iOS firmware downloads, which is updated with the version for even the latest iPhone SE 2020. felixbruns.de: If you want to go retro, this is your place. It has not been updated for the last two years. But still, if you are looking for firmware up to iPhone X and even classic iPods, this site will serve you well. ipsw Downloader: It has also not been updated since 2016, it seems. But still, here you will find the required firmware files for old Apple devices. You can select the device, model, and firmware version from the dropdown menu. After that, click the Download button and then the blue download link to get the file.
How to Download iOS Firmware Using iTunes or Finder
After the download completes, the process to restore your device will immediately begin. Thus if you want to restore your iPhone (which will erase everything), proceed with this method. However, if your only motive is to download the IPSW file, please use a third-party website. Still, if you continue with this method → restore your device → you can find the IPSW file at the appropriate location (mentioned after steps). The screenshots and steps shown here are of Finder. The steps for iTunes are almost similar.
You can locate the IPSW file here:
On Mac:
iPhone: ~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software UpdatesiPad: ~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software UpdatesiPod touch: ~/Library/iTunes/iPod Software Updates
On Windows 10, 8, 7
iPhone: C:\Users[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software UpdatesiPad: C:\Users[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPad Software UpdatesiPod touch: C:\Users[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates
How to Install IPSW File on Your iOS Device
It will automatically download the firmware and instantly start installing the file on the connected device while restoring using iTunes or Finder. However, you can force install the IPSW file (downloaded from third-party sites) on your iOS or iPadOS device. Signing off… This is how and from where you can download firmware files for Apple devices. Finally, in rare cases, after download, the IPSW file may be renamed automatically by the browser. But you can rename it back with .ipsw extension at the end, so iTunes/Finder recognizes it when you use it. Read Next:
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