Decision time - on the verge of getting full refund from Apple due to iOS5

[Dan_Knight]

Long story short, folks. I had 4.3.3 and I was very happy. Battery life was incredible.
I had lots of clutter and orphan data that was clogging up the system so I wanted to reformat.
iTunes went into a 1611 loop, so I had to take the unit to Apple store. They updated to iOS 5.
Against my will.
Now, I have limitations imposed that were not there before, I have services that I don't want, and I have software that I PAID for which cannot function exactly as it used to. Developers have replied to my complaints with disclosure that Apple has imposed certain OS-side limitations that prevent their software from doing what it did when I purchased it.
Lastly, my battery longevity has decreased dramatically.

I am on the verge of a full refund from Apple for the iPad purchase price.
This isn't really my ideal solution... I would very much like to get back to 4.3.3.
Apple rep told me that although they do not advocate this, there are 3rd party facilities that can revert my OS.
Can anyone refer me to a product that can revert my iPad2 to OS 4.3.3? Is it at all possible? I do not care what it does to my warranty, and I don't care about wiping all data, I can put back what I need.
If this is impossible, I'm going to end up getting a refund from Apple, turning in my device, and finding an Android device that does not impose OS changes on me against my will.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Dan

 

[carlosarias1]

It is possible, try and find out someone or some store, 3rd party store that do this, also check google and check youtube for ways of how to revert the process, like i said it is possible, just need to find info, maybe asking a guy from best-buy for someone outside apple that do this. I live in a 3rd world country and that's easy here because u don't follow laws and rules like in the states, but i know for sure that are young people that do know how to, and possibly u could find out how to on google or youtube.

 

[Dan_Knight]

The only option I've found requires that you have saved your SHSH blobs from 4.3.3 I have not done this. I never realized it would be forced upon me and that iTunes would not be able to install the OS that was currently on the unit! It is downright obscene.

Well, if anyone else out there has had this happen and is dissatisfied, you should probably demand a full refund from Apple - which they seem willing to do upon demand. I think if enough people turn in their iPads, they may wise up and make the older OS available. But that may not happen... if their ideal customer base is complacent people who won't fight for their rights, then I suppose they're not for me.

 

[Banquish]

The update only occurred if you either manually did it or set it to auto-update... If you choose to leave a default setting as is, then the updates happen.
You can disable all the services you dont want, go to settings and turn off as appropriate
My battery life has improved alot since the update id say i get a solid hour more.
Since were using the same hardware you should see the same. Maybe doing a factory reset will nix this problem.
Overall its a big improvement, i know your pissed but its stil much better than android, especially if you jailbreak it.

Or just say **** it and bring it back, its up to you, but dollar for dollar (even for any dollar), this is the best tablet around

 

[richsadams]

We understand folk's frustrations, however please do not take threads off topic with complaints and arguing, it is against the iPF Rules and it is not helpful. If you have some input that will assist the OP with his or her question(s) don't hesitate to post it here and please be polite.

If you want to let Apple know about your experience with the iPad upgrade process, results, etc. here is the Apple Feedback Page:

Apple - iPad - Feedback

Other upgrade tips can be found here:

http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-help/49411-ios-5-upgrade-troubleshooting.html#post339338

Thank you.

 

[Sonicrobby]

Google "iPad 4.3.3 firmware" and download the firmware
Open iTunes, plug in your iPad and backup the data
Go to the iPad menu in iTunes, there should be a "restore" button.
Hold shift on the keyboard and press that button.
Search for the firmware and let it run.
Once finished, restore from backup.

You may encounter an error, try searching google for "downgrade to 4.3.3"

 

[Banquish]

@mod,
Not sure if thats directed at me, but to clarify, I wasn't arguing; i was just giving a counterpoint.
He said some incorrect things and just was looking to provide a better prespective.

 

[richsadams]

@mod,
Not sure if thats directed at me, but to clarify, I wasn't arguing; i was just giving a counterpoint.
He said some incorrect things and just was looking to provide a better prespective.

No, not directed at you. We just try to avoid threads degenerating into back-and-forths that take things off track and don't address the original topic. Nipping it in the bud as it were.

Thanks very much for your (and everyone's) continued, positive contributions! :thumbs:

 

[Dan_Knight]

Banquish: the update occurred because I wanted to clean out my ipad of clutter and orphan data. I clicked Shift+Restore, chose my 4.3.3 file, and iTunes was obliged to ERASE my device prior to letting me know that 4.3.3 file couldn't be installed. Therefore, by sheer extortion, they force me into upgrading.
As for battery longevity, I've read many mixed experiences from different users. Some report better, some report worse.
D

 

[Dan_Knight]

Google "iPad 4.3.3 firmware" and download the firmware
Open iTunes, plug in your iPad and backup the data
Go to the iPad menu in iTunes, there should be a "restore" button.
Hold shift on the keyboard and press that button.
Search for the firmware and let it run.
Once finished, restore from backup.

You may encounter an error, try searching google for "downgrade to 4.3.3"

I know how to do a manual downgrade like you describe, and that's exactly what I tried. However, Apple stopped signing the 4.3.3 file, and unless you have your SHSH blobs saved, and redirect your host file to point to local host, yada yada, you cannot install 4.3.3 anymore. This is a very disturbing practice on apple's part - you want to reformat a device you OWN, and it will have to get approval from Apple before installing. That's what I call chutzpah, but that's how they roll. Audacity is part of their MO.

 

[Banquish]

Banquish: the update occurred because I wanted to clean out my ipad of clutter and orphan data. I clicked Shift+Restore, chose my 4.3.3 file, and iTunes was obliged to ERASE my device prior to letting me know that 4.3.3 file couldn't be installed. Therefore, by sheer extortion, they force me into upgrading.
As for battery longevity, I've read many mixed experiences from different users. Some report better, some report worse.
D

Oh well thats just balls then,
Lol @ the use of extortion though.

 

[Dan_Knight]

Well, I have an appointment set at the Apple store - she told me to see the manager to I'm seen immediately - they're going to replace my device with one that still has 4.3.5
If this unit proves satisfactory, my problem is solved, I suppose.

 

[richsadams]

Well, I have an appointment set at the Apple store - she told me to see the manager to I'm seen immediately - they're going to replace my device with one that still has 4.3.5
If this unit proves satisfactory, my problem is solved, I suppose.

That's very good...not many (any?) other manufacturers would do that. Let us know how it goes!

 

[jsh1120]

I'm sure that someone will correct me if I'm wrong but it seems pretty obvious that the OP wishes to restore to 4.3.3 in order to preserve functionality associated with a "jailbroken" iPad. Though Apple has been unsuccessful in getting the power of law behind them to prevent jailbreaking, they are under no obligation that I know of to support a back rev version of iOS. Since Apple knows that 4.3.3 was the last version of the OS that has been successfully jailbroken, I'm not surprised that they would not enable any support for a device running 4.3.3 unless the device is brought up to a current OS version.

Let me be clear. I'm not condoning or condemning Apple's action in this case. Just pointing out that Apple has made it abundantly clear that they will not make it easy for users to jailbreak their devices. And as far as I can tell, what the OP wanted to do was to utilize Apple services while preserving a jailbroken iPad. It doesn't surprise me that Apple refuses to cooperate in that effort.

As far as receiving a full refund from Apple, I have to say that I don't think the OP has much of a case. If, in fact he purchased software from Apple that does not operate in the iOS 5 environment he'd be in a stronger position but I suspect that's not the case. Apple may, of course, refund the price of the iPad if he returns it as a gesture of goodwill, but as far as I know they're under no obligation whatsoever to do so.

P.S. to the OP. Apologies in advance if I've misunderstood your situation.

 

[jsh1120]

Well, I have an appointment set at the Apple store - she told me to see the manager to I'm seen immediately - they're going to replace my device with one that still has 4.3.5
If this unit proves satisfactory, my problem is solved, I suppose.

Dan, Apparently I did misunderstand your situation. Since 4.3.5 is not an OS that can be jailbroken I suspect that is the reason Apple is prepared to restore it to that OS revision level. If it works for you, I'm happy to hear it.

P.S. And yes, I should have read to the end of the thread before shooting off my mouth.