And lastly, although this is becoming less common, older IPSWs can be used to restore a different OS version.

It also doesn’t appear IPSW files are part of the content types supported by content caching, but if someone has information to the contrary please let me know. To have to download 13.6 GB on a regular basis across multiple technician Macs or other scenarios can be a problem depending on networking constraints. The main reason someone might want to use option 2 is the latest Big Sur 11.0.1 IPSW comes in at a whopping 13.6 GB. Take an already downloaded IPSW and drag/drop it onto a DFU booted Mac within AC 2.The IPSW file will be downloaded directly from Apple’s CDN. Select restore/revive in AC 2 once a Mac is booted into DFU.As of writing this there are two ways to kick off the restore/revive process. This article is primarily about how to download and distribute those Apple silicon IPSWs to more easily restore a Mac through AC 2. I recommend reading those articles on how to boot to DFU since the ports, cables, and precise timing are all important pieces to making that particular magic work. The process can be especially fidgety, but the steps on T2 and Apple silicon Macs are well documented by Mr. They can be booted to DFU and the OS restored through AC 2. When restoring a device through iTunes/Finder or Apple Configurator 2 (AC 2), an IPSW is downloaded to reinstall the OS as part of that process. You may have used an IPSW in the past without knowing it. IPSWs are the OS installers for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and other variations in the iDevice family. Admins who have worked with non-Mac Apple devices for a long time are already familiar with IPSW ( iPod software) files.

Ipsw file