03/19, 8:40pm
New updates patches six exploits, breaks evasi0n jailbreak
In closing six potential exploits in the security-oriented iOS 6.1.3 update released earlier today -- and simultaneously breaking compatibility with the evasi0n jailbreak -- Apple has acknowledged the contributions of the Evad3rs team behind the jailbreak with finding four of the six flaws that, in the wrong hands, could have lead to an increased risk of malware rather than just a path to unofficial apps and customizing. Though the jailbreak hack no longer works, the team suggest that other flaws still exist.
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02/12, 8:55pm
Update for iPhone 4S broke compatibility with hack
The team behind the Evasi0n jailbreak for devices running iOS 6.0 and later have unveiled an updated version in order to fix some bugs that appeared with the original release as well as re-add support for iPhone 4S devices that were updated to iOS 6.1.1, released yesterday. Apple released iOS 6.1.1 as a fix for problems with v6.1 on the iPhone 4S, including unusual battery drain and 3G connectivity issues. The updated Evasi0n tool (now at version 1.3) tackles other problems.
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02/07, 1:01am
Users were having issues with weather, boot times, more
Following the popular release of the evasi0n "jailbreak" tool for devices running iOS 6 and higher, the team behind it have released at least two updates to fix problems caused by the jailbreak, which has been claimed to have been downloaded more than 1.5 million times since its release on Monday. The most common bug was that the jailbreak caused the stock Weather app to crash or (on iPads) revealing a hidden but outdated iPhone version of the app.
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02/05, 7:25pm
Note updated in light of issues with latest iOS 6.x jailbreak
Apple has reviewed and updated a Knowledge Base article on the potential hazards of jailbreaking iPhones, following the release on Monday of the evasi0n jailbreak for iOS 6.x. While jailbreaking is not illegal, issues with the jailbreak (and previous jailbreaks for earlier iOS versions) have been reported, and Apple is within its rights to refuse service on a jailbroken phone. Minor issues have been reported with the evasi0n jailbreak, and the article has likely been updated simply as a reminder.
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02/03, 10:34pm
Will work with all devices capable of running iOS 6
A jailbreak for iOS 6 including the latest release iOS 6.1 has been given a confirmed released date by the hacker team developing it. After hinting that the hack would be released to the public on Super Bowl Sunday, tweets from team members now say that it will actually be released on Monday. Reports from team members suggest that work is finished on the hack but that it was felt to be too late in the day for a release on Sunday, suggesting that the jailbreak could come early (by US time-zone standards) on Monday.
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01/31, 2:03am
Creators start to wobble on firm release date, however
A "supergroup" of well-known iOS hackers now called the Evad3rs have launched an official website to promote the team's jailbreak for a wide variety of iOS devices running iOS 6 or 6.1, the latter of which was just released on Monday. The jailbreak should enable most recent iOS devices to be able to further customized and let users install apps unavailable from the official App Store -- but as with any jailbreak, the exploit required for it to work could be used for pirating and malware as well.
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01/28, 7:42pm
Comprised of jailbreak veterans, team will unveil hack February 3
While iOS 6 never got a public "untethered" jailbreak, a new team of hackers comprised of well-known veterans of other jailbreak teams will be releasing a solution for devices using iOS 6.1 (which was just released today) on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3. The delay in releasing the jailbreak, the security flaw for which was discovered but kept secret some time ago, is due to the team not wanting to give Apple a chance to fix the issue before the jailbreak is released. There is no word yet of any unlocking solution, however.
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12/24, 11:15pm
Forthcoming update adds yet more resilient code
Jailbreaking an iOS device in order to install unofficial apps, add customization options or simply to unlock a locked device has gotten tougher, as evidenced by the hacking community's inability to produce an untethered jailbreak for iOS 6. In a recent tweet, hacker i0n1c has revealed that the forthcoming iOS 6.1 update adds "again tougher protections" to the codebase even compared to iOS 6, suggesting that security has been dramatically improved.
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05/10, 6:00pm
Tool could be available within weeks
[Updated: video added] Chronic Dev Team hacker Pod2G, who reported last week of being able to get an untethered jailbreak running on an iPhone 4, has updated his progress with further news. He has gotten the jailbreak exploit to work on most other iOS devices capable of running iOS 5.1, regardless of processor type. The breakthrough, which may not apply to the latest iOS 5.1.1 update, could mean a public tool for untethered jailbreaks will arrive soon.
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05/04, 2:08am
Exploit is not ready for public release yet
Following up on a report from earlier this week, iOS hacker pod2g announced on Twitter late yesterday that he had succeeded in getting his iPhone 4 running under iOS 5.1 with an untethered jailbreak. While no tool for other users has yet been announced, the breakthrough means that those wanting to run the latest version of iOS and unofficial apps should be able to do so in the near future. There is no word yet on whether the exploit is limited to A5 devices like the iPhone 4 or not.
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04/06, 10:00pm
Creates hotspot without carrier approval
MyWi, an unofficial app that allows jailbroken iPhones to create hotspots without carrier approval, has been updated to version 5.5, which now supports iOS 5 users. Despite the lack of an untethered jailbreak for the latest devices, the program allows users of A4, A5 and A5X based 3G or LTE iOS devices to create and manage personal hotspots, now including Bluetooth tethering for activation of the Wi-Fi hotspot. The app has been rewritten from scratch.
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03/30, 7:00pm
Not all plug-ins work with it yet
Owners of the now-previous (the "720p black" or "ATV2") AppleTV box now have an option of jailbreaking the device in a limited way, even if it has been upgraded to the newest 5.0 (iOS 5.1) software. FireCore has updated it's Seas0nPass jailbreak tool and aTV Flash (black) software to work with the new jailbreak, which allows users to retain the advantages of the Apple TV 5.0 software while adding various unofficial plug-ins such as Last.fm and NitoTV for additional content.
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01/20, 6:55am
Corona for A5-based iOS devices enroute
The iPhone Dev Team have announced that they are close to releasing the Corona A5 jailbreak for the iPhone 4S and iPad 2. The team says that it has overcome the technical hurdles associated with the underlying technique and that all that remains is bug fixes before a general release is made available. The release will work on iPhone 4S’ running iOS 5.0 (9A334), 5.0.1 (9A405) and 5.0.1 (9A406), as well as the iPad 2 running iOS 5.01 (9A405).
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12/30, 9:45pm
Adds abilities but can cause issues, void warranty
[Updated: video of Troughton-Smith demonstrating Mudkip's iOS window manager and apps on Apple TV] The untethered jailbreak for some iOS 5.0.1 devices has migrated into Seas0npass, a tool for jailbreaking the black (current model) Apple TV, resulting in the option of extra abilities on the $99 device, including the potential to run some iOS apps as demonstrated by hacker Steve Troughton-Smith. The updated Seas0npass works even with Apple TV software version 4.4.4, and third-party options give users the ability to play other video formats, implement custom Bluetooth options and more.
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11/29, 10:45pm
Hack allowed Nuance dictation on pre-4S devices
Hacker Eric Day has removed his Siri0us voice dictation app from Cydia, citing multiple problems ranging from his unauthorized use of Nuance's services to the popularity of the app, which threatened to jeopardize his product site. The program, which required a jailbroken iOS device, allowed the iPhone 4 and earlier models to be able to use the Nuance dictation features normally only found on the 4S.
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07/25, 11:45pm
Tethered trick won't work for iPad 2
Members of the iPhone Dev Team report that the current version of Redsn0w, originally developed for 4.3.4, continues to offer a tethered jailbreak for iOS 4.3.5, which was released by Apple released earlier today. The jailbreak technique works with most iOS devices other than the iPad 2, Redmond Pie reports. The Apple update, which addresses the issue of web certificate security, does not prevent Redsn0w from working.
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07/07, 10:55am
App blocks access from jailbroken iPads
Time Warner Cable has introduced a major update to its iPad app, TWCable TV, which now blocks access from jailbroken devices. Version 2.0 enables users to access a wider range of channels, with more than 100 channels now supported. The interface has also been improved, adding an interactive program guide for setting favorite channels or viewing program listings for up to seven days. Users can also remotely manage their DVR scheduling directly from the app.
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07/06, 8:50am
JailbreakMe 3.0 released with web crack for iPad 2
The official code for JailbreakMe 3.0 has been released for the iPad 2 running iOS 4.3.3. The release will also work on the iPhone and iPod touch and is extremely easy to install as seen in the video embedded below. Users only need to navigate to the jailbreakme.com website using their iOS device and install it from there. It also very easy to reverse the jailbreak, which is achieved by connecting the device to iTunes and initiating a system restore.
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03/16, 11:40pm
Company seeks records covering two years
Sony has moved to subpoena PlayStation hacker George Hotz' PayPal records, as the company continues to push for its anti-jailbreaking lawsuit to stay in California. Despite the focus on a PS3 jailbreak that only emerged several months ago, Judge Joseph Spero granted the company's request to gain access to all of Hotz' PayPal records spanning from 2009 to 2011.
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03/04, 4:55pm
Compatibility with iPad 2 still unclear
Just hours after Apple released its iOS 4.3 golden master (GM) build to developers, the release was reportedly jailbroken using the same method that had worked for the initial betas. A Cult of Mac report suggests devices running iOS 4.3 can be jailbroken using a more advanced process, which requires users to create a custom IPSW, or a simpler method that only works as a tethered jailbreak.
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02/03, 10:00pm
Uses exploit already patched in iOS 4.3
The Chronic Dev team have made available a new version of "greenpois0n," a release-candidate beta that offers untethered jailbreaking of devices running iOS 4.2.1, such as the iPad, third- and fourth-generation iPod Touch and iPhone 3GS or 4. The program can jailbreak without the need for SHSH blobs or other pre-existing hacks, and allows users to alter theme components, install alternate settings and use apps unapproved by the App Store -- a potential security risk, but one some users desire to gain extra functionality.
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09/08, 6:25pm
Exploit said to be difficult for Apple to fix
Within hours of Apple's official iOS 4.1 release, a Dev Team member has already announced a bootrom exploit that promises to jailbreak the latest OS. The exploit is expected to be difficult for Apple to disable in a software update, without physically flashing a new bootrom to devices.
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08/05, 9:35pm
Browser redirects to Apple.com
Apple may be attempting to indirectly battle JailbreakMe.com in its retail stores. Users have begun reporting problems accessing the jailbreak site from Wi-Fi networks based in Apple Stores. Rather than opening the blocked site, Safari is allegedly redirected to Apple.com.
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06/08, 3:10pm
Additional methods expected soon
Only one day after Apple released the Gold Master seed of iOS 4, formerly known as iPhone OS 4, the firmware has already been jailbroken. The hack appears to use PwnageTool bundles modified for the GM, which reportedly allows users to preserve the baseband for
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05/02, 11:55pm
Functionality requires trimming of standard SIM
The iPhone Dev Team, a group better known for iPhone jailbreaking, has allegedly found a way to send SMS messages from a 3G iPad. The additional functionality reportedly requires raw code, as the feature has yet to be officially enabled on the tablet, according to details listed on a Twitter post. SMS messages are also prohibited from AT&T accounts bundled with the 3G models.
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04/04, 12:55pm
Early hack gets root on iPad
iPhone Dev-Team member MuscleNerd revealed this afternoon that he has already managed to jailbreak the iPad after just a day of sales. The crack is a variation on the same "Spirit" jailbreak recently used to de-restrict iPhone 3.1.3 and, like the earlier technique, is believed to use a browser-based exploit as part of a trick to get root access and let unsigned apps run on the tablet. It's not yet evident how easily this could be made into an automated process for regular users.
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03/11, 6:45pm
Device overcomes recovery mode after restart
An electronic engineer has developed a hardware dongle that allegedly jailbreaks an iPhone. The device reportedly can be used to either jailbreak and 'hacktivate' a new iPhone, or boot a jailbroken handset that gets stuck in recovery mode. A 9V battery provides power, allowing users to restart their jailbroken iPhones while away from a computer.
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11/03, 1:50pm
Utility supports hacktivation
Blackra1n coder George Hotz has released blacksn0w, a new jailbreaking utility that unlocks iPhone firmware v3.1.2 and the latest baseband v05.11.07. The tool now allows users to upgrade to v3.1.2 from older firmware without losing the unlock. The process also enables tethering, allowing the handset to be used as a computer-connected modem even on carriers, such as AT&T, that still block the function.
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09/09, 6:15pm
Apple prevents Palm Pre sync with latest iTunes
Apple has made sure to prevent Palm Pre owners from syncing their smartphones with the iTunes 9 update released Wednesday, according to several user reports posted on PreCentral's forums. The company has worked to prevent compatibility, starting with iTunes 8.2.1, after publishing a technical note warning users that third party phones would not be able to sync.
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04/02, 2:50am
Apple forbids jailbreaking
Apple is taking a more aggressive stance against developers who create apps for "jailbroken" iPhones. According to a new report, the Cupertino-based company recently updated its "iPhone Developer Program License Agreement" - the agreement to which all iPhone developers are required to adhere -- to explicitly disallow jailbreaking, assisting in jailbreaking, and developing and distributing jailbreak apps. The Ars Technica report says that while previous agreements forbade the creation of apps that violate privacy, facilitate crimes, or violate intellectual property laws, the new one restricts developers from jailbreaking their own phones.
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02/13, 5:10pm
Apple jailbreaking stance
Apple has publicly defined its legal stance on iPhone jailbreaking, arguing that it represents copyright infringement and a DMCA violation, in response to an exemption filing by the Electronic Frontier Foundation that was submitted to the Copyright Office as part of the 2009 DMCA triennial rulemaking. The foundation proposal asked for an exemption that would allow jailbreaking of iPhones or other handsets, effectively liberating the devices to run applications other than those obtained from Apple's own iTunes App Store.
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11/23, 7:30pm
QuickPWN v2.2 available
Just days after Apple released its iPhone 2.2 Software update, it has been jailbroken by QuickPWN.com's developer team. QuickPWN has released QuickPWN 2.2 for both Mac and Windows users, free to download from the website. The software allows users to jailbreak the iPhone or iPod touch updated to the latest v2.2.
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08/13, 11:15pm
Qik for iPhone 3G
After claiming plans for an iPhone version of its client, Qik on Wednesday unveiled a beta version of its live-stream video client for jailbroken iPhone handsets. Qik offers mobile device users access to internet video streaming over the cellular network, providing a simple, but effective, asset to investigative journalists, bloggers, or anyone else requiring a mobile video stream. Qik requires users to jailbreak their iPhone, although plans for an App Store release are currently being explored.
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07/19, 9:35pm
Pwnage Tool 2.0 released
On Saturday, iPhone Dev Team released its own utility to jailbreak and unlock the iPhone 3G, allowing users to access to the file system, to run third-party applications, and also unlock the device for use on any GSM network. The new Pwnage Tool 2.0 both jailbreaks and unlocks older iPhones as well as jailbreaks iPhone 3Gs and iPod Touches; it is designed for v2.0 firmware only, according to the brief announcement; however, a more full announcement is expected later. The free software featuring both 'simple' and 'expert' modes, patches the original Apple firmware/software download to allow users to install software and requires that users restore their iPhone using the patched IPSW file. The software appears to unlock original iPhones only and will not (yet?) unlock the iPhone 3G, which some other vendors have claimed to offer.
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07/15, 6:10pm
Software iPhone Jbreak?
The iPhone Dev Team says it had become the first to jailbreak an iPhone 3G. In a posting just a few hours ago on its blog, the group showed a picture of its "Pwnage Tool" jail-breaking software for the iPhone and iPod Touch with a new addition -- support for the 3G. The posting says "this is not a release announcement, but we are working hard," apparently on a final version of the software.
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06/13, 7:05pm
Ziphone unlock for 2.0
The Ziphone iPhone unlocking and jailbreaking application was revealed on Friday to support the new v2.0 iPhone OS, the final version of will ship next month. A post in the developer's blog reveals that the application enables support for the device on many international networks, including AT&T, Rogers and Fido in Canada, T-Mobile, Vodaphone, TIM, Claro, and many others. Ziphone is available for iPhone owners on either Mac OS or Windows.
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04/15, 1:40pm
VOIP, IM iPhone client
fring on Tuesday today became the latest VoIP application to be made publicly available for Apple's iPhone. The fring beta software, which requires a "jailbroken" iPhone (the company uses "opened" as its euphemism), enables users to talk, chat and interact with other fring users and all of their online communities, using their iPhone’s WiFi connection. A light, sneak preview R&D version of the popular mobile VoIP application, developed in conjunction with the Holon Institute of Technology academic research labs in Israel, is now available for use on the iPhone. According to the company, the pre-release version is designed to gather feedback from users; the final version is due for launch later this year.
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02/29, 6:10pm
iPhone 1.1.4 unlock guide
A Mac-only guide describing how to jailbreak Apple's iPhone 1.1.4 and SIM unlock the device has surfaced alongside a graphical user interface port of the Debian APT package management system for iPhone. The new guide, posted on IntoMobile, takes users step by step through the process of jailbreaking -- or gaining filesystem read/write access -- the iPhone and unlocking it for use with wireless carriers other than Apple's exclusive partners.
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02/27, 11:25pm
Jailbreak for iPhone 1.1.4
Hackers on Wednesday released the first publicly available "jailbreak" solution for version 1.1.4 of the iPhone software. A little more than 24 hours after the release of Apple's latest iPhone software, a group of coders have released iNdependence 1.4b5, a Cocoa-based application for Mac OS X that provides an easy-to-use interface for jailbreak, activation, SSH installation, and ringtone/wallpaper/application installation on the iPhone. The open-source software is available under GNU v2 license. Meanwhile, other reports indicate that at least one other jailbreak hack (with an older firmware) has survived the version 1.1.4 upgrade and yet another hacker has already successfully cracked a part of the latest firmware/software update. Next week, Apple is expected to announced, and likely release, the official SDK at the special iPhone SDK event in Cupertino. [click to read more]
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02/12, 9:50pm
iPhone 1.1.3 jailbreak
iPhone users who have upgraded to firmware version 1.1.3 now have a viable jailbreak option with iJailbreak 0.5.1, an update to iJailbreak 0.5 that was released this morning. This iPhone-only jailbreak allows users to open up an iPhone with v1.1.3 installed in order to implement custom applications and services. The jailbreak requires users to implement bootloader 4.6, and will not function with any other version.
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02/04, 9:10pm
iPhone roundup: Jailbreaks
In brief: Hack that Phone has released a technical note describing the process of jailbreaking as well as maintaining unlocked status on Apple's iPhone with firmware version 1.1.3, iPhone Helper has released the official Dev Team 1.1.3 jailbreak, and MobileScrobbler has released Milestone 1.2.0. Hack that Phone has described how to update to iPhone firmware v1.1.3 and jailbreak it while retaining any pre-existing unlock.
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01/29, 2:05pm
WiFi iPhone 1.1.3 hack
An over-the-air hack that updates already-jailbroken iPhones to firmware version 1.1.3 has surfaced, allowing users to update their hacked iPhone or iPod touch without a computer. The update takes up to 45 minutes as it silently brings a hacked iPhone up to date with Apple's latest mobile software, downloading the firmware from Apple over a wireless connection, according to CrunchGear. The update only works for iPhones that are already 'jailbroken,' or that allow users to access the filesystem.
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01/28, 2:30pm
Jailbreak for iPhone 1.1.3
The 13-year-old software developer behind the open source 'iJailBreak' utility has released iJailBreak 0.4, an update to the software that allows iPhone and iPod touch users on jailbroken versions of firmware 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 to automatically update to and jailbreak the newly released 1.1.3 firmware. Users who currently have the previous version if iJailBreak installed should be notified of the new release and offered the ability to automatically update. iJailBreak is available from Google Code, with information available at iJailBreak.com. Late last week, the iPhone 1.1.3 jailbreak was publicly released (along with Mac and Windows versions of the utilities).
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01/24, 10:40pm
iPhone 1.1.3 jailbreak
Hackers on Thursday released a simple "jailbreak" solution for iPhone 1.1.3, allowing users with already jailbroken iPhones running v1.1.1 and v1.1.2 to upgrade to the latest software/firmware update. Delivered about 9 days after the v1.1.3 update was first released to the public, the iPhone Dev Team and Iphone Elite Team have released a working "jailbreak" for iPhone 1.1.3, allowing users to install third-party applications and obtain access to the filesystem. Ironically, version 1.1.3 of the software includes the groundwork for Apple's forthcoming SDK (due by end of February), which will allow third-parties to deliver native applications for the iPhone without the "jailbreak." Update: some reports indicate that unlocked phones appear work properly after the update and true AT&T users can correct the issues with the map locator functions.
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01/09, 12:10am
First iPhone Trojan attack
The iPhone recently fell victim to its first Trojan attack, which came in the form of a malicious file named “113 prep”. While installation of the phony application is relatively benign – the app merely says “shoes” when activated – uninstalling the file causes damage to or deletes system-critical files in the /bin directory on the iPhone. In addition to harming the devices own software, third party utilities are also being rendered useless through the same means. This attack was orchestrated by an 11-year-old, and has some modmyifone.com forum members laughing to ease the pressure using references to the 1995 film Hackers, due to the similarity of circumstances.
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