The specified state is a troubleshooting mechanism on Apple mobile devices, such as iPhones and iPads. It allows a device to be restored to a working condition when standard software updates or restores fail. This mode bypasses the normal operating system, granting access for a computer to reinstall the iOS software. As an example, this might be invoked if an update is interrupted, or the device becomes stuck on the Apple logo during startup.
This procedure is essential for resolving a variety of software-related issues that can render a device unusable. Its benefits include the potential to recover a malfunctioning device without data loss (though data loss is sometimes unavoidable) and the ability to install the latest version of the operating system. The origins of this mode can be traced back to the early days of iOS, evolving alongside the operating system to address increasingly complex software problems.