Sam OliverDubbed "purplera1n," the software is currently in beta and available for Windows-only, but Hotz said a Mac version is next on his list. Those interested in using the tool should first backup their iPhone 3GS running iPhone Software 3.0 and make sure they have iTunes 8.2 installed.
Hotz boasts that the binary size of purplera1n is smaller than a C++ hello world application — essentially the most basic piece of software that can be written for modern day computer systems, which simply spits out the phrase "hello world" and terminates.
"No 20MB thing that needs to be torrented," he wrote in a blog post. "And no IPSW to download. This is how jailbreak should be!"
After downloading purplera1n, jailbreaking takes just a few simple steps. "Connect your iPhone normally. Click 'make it ra1n'. Wait. On bootup, run Freeze, the purplera1n installer app. Hopefully you'll figure out what to do from there," Hotz wrote.
The Glen Rock, New Jersey native said he doesn't normally make tools for release to the general public, and prefers to wait for the unofficial iPhone dev team to tackle such matters. "But guys, whats up with waiting until [iPhone Software] 3.1?," he joshed. "That isn't how the game is played. We release, Apple fixes, we find new holes."
"It isn't worth waiting because you might have the 'last' hole in the iPhone," he added in a challenge to fellow hackers before turning his attention to the iPhone maker itself. "What last hole...this isn't golf. I'll find a new one next week. Also your purplera1nyday files ensure that you can always get back to a jailbroken state, so if you have it it's just a matter of tools."
For those unaware, jailbreaking is a process that allows iPhone and iPod Touch users to run unofficial apps on their devices that aren't available, or do not meet the strict requirements, of Apple's App Store. Once jailbroken, users can download these applications and install them using unofficial installers such as Cydia and Icy.
Jailbreaking, however, is distinct from unlocking, which is the process by which a mobile device is made compatible with wireless networks for which it has not been licensed use.
Hotz gained notoriety back in 2007 when he became the first to unlock the original iPhone all by himself, using both software and hardware modifications. Just 17 years old at the time, he attempted to sell the unlocked phone on eBay but ended the auction after fake bids apparently sent the price north of $100 million.
He later traded the unlocked phone for "a sweet Nissan 350Z" and three locked iPhones.
Disclaimer: Jailbreaking and unlocking tools for iPhones are unsanctioned hacks which Apple frowns upon and combats regularly with new iPhone Software updates. As such, there is always the risk they could damage your handset's software. AppleInsider reports on these tools for the sake of the interested public and readers should use common sense before applying any of them.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
50 Comments
The kid thought they were fake, the governments doing the bidding didn't think so.
<start tinfoil hat mode>
I know, from certain Electronic Warfare training, that the US government takes great pains to purchase and exploit every piece of hardware available. If it uses electricity, it has a electronic signature and they record that so they can monitor/watch it from space.
Real deal. iPhones are a wealth of intelligence, trojan horse of sorts for personal info. Even if the bad guys know better not to use them, it gives Uncle Sam the ability to cross everyone else off the list. Got a voice encrypted phone? You must have something to hide.
Surely Uncle Sam already had the iPhone cracked before junior discovered it, Apple having to supply them with one before release, it was perhaps other governments who were doing the bidding.
Kid should have taken them up on their offer.
</tinfoil hat mode>
So... Appleinsider is now an official endorser of jailbreaking iPhones? This seems like an ad or a tribute, not an informational article. Not even a mention of any possible downsides, just "this guy is soooo cool and hip and awesome for jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones and talking trash!"
I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site. \
So... Appleinsider is now an official endorser of jailbreaking iPhones? This seems like an ad or a tribute, not an informational article. Not even a mention of any possible downsides, just "this guy is soooo cool and hip and awesome for jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones and talking trash!"
I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site. \
Oh RLy ?! And what downsides might those be ?
Adi
So... Appleinsider is now an official endorser of jailbreaking iPhones? This seems like an ad or a tribute, not an informational article. Not even a mention of any possible downsides, just "this guy is soooo cool and hip and awesome for jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones and talking trash!"
I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site. \
What? This is legitimate news, and I'd be more likely to criticise AI for not reporting other jailbreaks like ultrasn0w. It's not illegal to jailbreak, but that's lost on dumb people who are afraid even to question the real propaganda coming from corporates like Apple and who accept the mindless restrictions they place on your hardware for their own profit.
You're a tool of the corporate machine, or maybe just a tool.
The kid thought they were fake, the governments doing the bidding didn't think so.
<start tinfoil hat mode>
I know, from certain Electronic Warfare training, that the US government takes great pains to purchase and exploit every piece of hardware available. If it uses electricity, it has a electronic signature and they record that so they can monitor/watch it from space.
Real deal. iPhones are a wealth of intelligence, trojan horse of sorts for personal info. Even if the bad guys know better not to use them, it gives Uncle Sam the ability to cross everyone else off the list. Got a voice encrypted phone? You must have something to hide.
Surely Uncle Sam already had the iPhone cracked before junior discovered it, Apple having to supply them with one before release, it was perhaps other governments who were doing the bidding.
Kid should have taken them up on their offer.
</tinfoil hat mode>
You're right. I need to find out how to encrypt my thoughts, because US agencies are scanning it using satellites and changing information they don't like. For instance, I lost my keys this morning after having dreams about men in dark suits bent over keyboards and screens. There can be only one explanation: the CIA is controlling my thoughts.