Apple re-releases iOS 9.3

Apple has released a new version of iOS 9.3 just for the older iPhones and iPads that became locked due a flawed activation procedure in the setup. The new version, which is still called iOS 9.3, addresses the so-called "activation bug" that left some older devices unable to proceed beyond the step to confirm the Apple ID and password linked to a device, if the user had forgotten the password.

Apple last week suspended iOS 9.3 for the iPhone 5s and earlier, and iPad Air and earlier, due to the activation issue but on Monday released a new version for these older models, differentiated by the build number 13E237.

The version is available as an over-the-air update or can be installed via iTunes on the desktop.

It follows last week's release of iOS 9.3 with the build number 13E236 just for the iPad 2, which had a similar activation glitch. Build 13E237 fixes the activation bug for other affected iOS devices.

Apple explained in an updated support document addressing that glitch that owners of affected devices may have been required to enter the Apple ID and password to set up the device and complete the software update.