Apple releases new build of iOS 9.3 for iPads 2 and fixes activation issue

A few days ago we reported that owners of older iPads (especially iPads 2) were experiencing problems installing the iOS 9.3.

Last night Apple removed iOS 9.3 from its servers for older iPads and iPhones. The company gave the following statement for the website iMore:

Updating some iOS devices (iPhone 5s and earlier or iPad Air and earlier) to iOS 9.3 may require the Apple ID and password used in the device settings to complete the software installation. In some cases, if the user does not remember the password, the device will remain in an inactive state until it can recover or reset its password. For these older devices, we are temporarily removing the update from the air and will be releasing an updated version of iOS 9.3 in the coming days, which does not require this step.

Apple also put up a support article that talks a little about the subject. There, the company gives you some options (if you log in to iCloud, activate via iTunes or temporarily remove Activation Blocking on the web) to work around the problem if users get stuck in the Activation Lock screen on their iPhones after the update, iPads or iPods touch.

Black iPad 2 with Black Smart Cover

Shortly thereafter, however, the company released a new version of iOS 9.3 (build 13E236) only for iPads 2 that does not come with this activation step. If your iPad 2 is frozen / locked, just plug the device into your computer, open iTunes and download the new version of the operating system; if the device is operating normally, you can update by going to General Software Update Settings.

Soon updates should be released for the other affected devices.

(via 9to5Mac)