justin․searls․co

How to downgrade Vision Pro

For stupid reasons, I had to downgrade my Vision Pro from visionOS 26.1 to 26.0.1 today. Here's how to put Vision Pro into Device Firmware Update ("DFU") mode and downgrade.

Here's how to restore a Vision Pro in 9 easy steps:

  1. Buy a Developer Strap for $299
  2. Go to ipsw.me and do your best to dodge its shitty ads as you try to download the IPSW restore file for your model Vision Pro at the version you need (if you don't see that version, it's likely because Apple isn't signing it anymore and you're SOL)
  3. Install Apple Configurator to your Mac
  4. Connect the Developer Strap to your Mac via USB-C, and disconnect Vision Pro from power
  5. Get ready to press and hold the top button (not the digital crown, the other one), then reconnect power to Vision Pro and immediately press and hold the top button until the outer screen shows a cable icon
  6. Open Apple Configurator, and you should see a Vision Pro icon.
  7. Drag the IPSW file over the Vision Pro icon and click Restore
  8. Click things and hope it works
  9. Ask yourself what the fuck you did in a past life that brought you to this moment

Good luck, have fun. 🕶️

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