Version Updates

If you are running Loop 3.0.0, please update to Loop 3.2.1 ASAP.

Loop 3.2.1 was released 20-March-2023. Primary update is to languages (no more Spanish-only for G7 screen).

Loop 3.2.0 was released 17-March-2023. This version included some critical fixes and new features.

Loop with Patches is updated to 3.2.1 as well. (You can use the Build Script or GitHub Browser Build for Loop with Patches)

WARNING:  Loop 3.x requires a minimum of iOS 15.1 and Xcode 14 (14.2 or newer preferred), which requires macOS 12.5 or higher.  If you are currently on iOS 14, please read our recommendation below.

What are the latest “tested” versions?

These are the latest Versions that have been tested to be capable of both operating and building Loop.

  • iOS 16.3.1, released on 13 February 2023 (requires Xcode 14.2).
    • Some Loopers running 3.0.0 are experiencing Loop crashing after upgrading to iOS 16.2 or 16.3. The issue relates to short-term activity within Apple Health. This is fixed in newer releases, so update ASAP.
    • If this happens to you, turn off permissions for Loop to write to Apple Health in Settings/Health/Data Access & Devices/Loop.  Next, open the Loop app- it should start just fine.  Then, turn Apple Health permissions back on.
  • iOS 15.7.2, released on 13 December 2022
  • Xcode 14.2, released on 13 December 2022
  • macOS Ventura (13.2.1) on 13 February 2023

Yes, there really are 2 current versions of iOS- 15.7x and 16.x.  iOS 15.7.x is the only option available for iPhone 6s, 7, or 1st generation SE.  Newer devices can choose which operating system they prefer.

Note:  when we refer to a version and include “x” in its name, we’re referring to any release of that version of iOS, macOS, or Xcode.  When we describe specific versions, as in the case below for the specific versions of Xcode that will build to an iOS 15.7 device, we mean those very specific versions.

Important for Loopers on Loop-2.2.x and FreeAPS using Omnipod

The best practice is to update iOS immediately before a pod change.  Why?  Because when you update your iPhone’s iOS, your phone will reboot.  There’s a bug in Loop-2.2.x and FreeAPS that can cause your pod and CGM’s transmitter ID to revert to your prior pod and CGM transmitter ID.  If this happens to you, you can easily update your transmitter ID from within the Loop app, but sadly, you’d need to replace your pod.  This bug has been fixed in Loop-main.

Do I need to rebuild before I update my phone’s iOS?

We recommend that you update your macOS and Xcode before you update your phone’s iOS.  Whether you need to rebuild first depends upon which iOS you are upgrading from.

If you’re currently on iOS 15.x, there’s no need to rebuild before you update iOS, but you want your Mac to be ready in case you need to rebuild quickly.

If you are currently on iOS 14.x, you cannot build Loop 3 (also known as Loop-main).  First, verify that your Mac can be updated to macOS 12.5 or higher and Xcode 14 or higher.  Next, update your iPhone to a minimum of iOS 15.1.  If your Mac can’t update to macOS 12.5 or higher, then consider the Browser Build method.

If you run into trouble trying to build Loop, remember to use command+shift+3 to take screenshots of your error messages AND include detailed information about what went wrong and what steps you’ve taken.  

 

Should I update to iOS16.x?

Only if your mac is capable of running macOS Monterey 12.5 or greater.

Our best advice is to update your macOS and Xcode before updating your phone’s iOS, but, if you’ve already updated your phone to 16.x…

How to build Loop to an iOS 16.x phone

  1. Update your macOS to Monterey 12.5 or greater
  2. Download Xcode 14.x
  3. Use the Build Select Script to download fresh Loop code and rebuild

Developer Mode

When updating your phone to iOS 16 or your watch to watchOS 9, you will be prompted to enable (in Settings) and accept (after reboot) Developer Mode. If you do not do this, Loop (or any app installed from Xcode) will not run.  Once Developer Mode is enabled, Loop will continue running without the need to rebuild. 

If you try to build Loop and plug in an iOS 16 phone into your mac without having Developer Mode turned on, you get ‘unavailable device’ in Xcode.  

iOS 15.7.x

If you have an iPhone 6s, 7, or 1st generation SE, iOS 15.7 is all that shows up as available.  Apple has announced they will not support those phones with iOS 16.  But you can still build Loop with iOS 15.x and those phones.

Should I update to iOS 15.7.x?

Only if your mac is capable of running macOS Monterey and you have Xcode 13.4.1 or 14.0.1.   Loop CANNOT be built the first time after updating to iOS 15.7.x phones using Xcode 14.0.

Our best advice is to update your macOS and Xcode before updating your phone’s iOS, but, if you’ve already updated your phone to 15.7.x …

How to build Loop to an iOS 15.7.x phone

  1. Update your macOS to Monterey or greater
  2. Download Xcode 13.4.1 or Xcode 14.0.1
  3. Use the Build Select Script to download fresh Loop code and rebuild

 

What about older versions of iOS?

To see what version of macOS and Xcode will work with your older iOS, check out LoopDocs.

 

Turn off auto-update

You never want your Loop phone to auto-update the iOS version. If you have not already done so, do this now:

In iPhone Settings, go to General / Software Update / Automatic Updates.

  1. Turn on “Automatic Downloads”
  2. Turn off “Automatic Updates”

Even if you have a good backup of your phone, it can be very difficult, sometimes impossible, to downgrade your phone once you upgrade the iOS.

It’s a good idea to do the same on your computer.  Both the operating system and Xcode should have auto-update turned off. But please, update as soon as the all-clear is sounded.  Updates can provide very important security fixes as well as nifty new features.

 

More Information

You should always be in a position to build Loop, if necessary. The best practice is to upgrade your build computer (Mac) before upgrading the iOS on your iPhone.  Of course, that’s your choice.

Bookmark this page!  {DO THIS NOW!} Come back when you have a version question in the future.

This page will be kept up-to-date as new versions are released.  You can also sign up for the newsletter, but to keep from spamming people, new version updates may not always be included in the newsletter, especially if it is for a minor version update.  So, this page is going to be your best “one-stop shop” to answer the general question.

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