iPhone Buzz » Apple iPhone Hacks

Jailbreak me hacks iOS, Apple pulls antenna test videos, JailbreakMe gets FaceTime

Shane McGlaun — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:39:30 +0000

We can thank the DMCA for making the shady world of jailbreaking your iPhone a bit brighter. A website called JailBreakMe has offered up hacks for iOS on the iPhone and iPad for you to use now.

Apple pulled the videos it had published of antenna testing on the iPhone 4 from its website. The official reason for Apple is that it refreshes website content constantly.

I mentioned the JailBreakMe unlocks for your iPhone a bit ago. The unlock gained new FaceTime and MMS tweaks today. An unlock for the iPhone 4 is also said to be incoming.

iPhone HD finder outed, iAd campaigns as much at $1M, Siri purchase will boost voice capability

Shane McGlaun — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:28:52 +0000

Wired has unveiled the identity of the person who found that iPhone HD prototype device in the California bar. The man’s name is Brian Hogan and according to Hogan’s attorney, “He regrets his mistake in not doing more to return the phone.”

Reports are coming in that campaigns on the new Apple iAd platform for the iPhone could cost advertisers as much as $1 million. Maybe that high price will limit the ads we are assaulted with.

I mentioned yesterday that Apple had purchased Siri, the personal assistant app firm. The buy could herald new voice-activated search capabilities coming to the iPhone, which would be most welcome.

Ultrasn0w to get iPhone 3GS unlock thanks to old hack

Chris Davies — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:04:11 +0000

Thanks to an unaddressed security flaw, the iPhone Dev Team have announced that they will soon update their ultrasn0w unlocking tool to work on the iPhone 3GS. The exploit, known as 24Kpwn, was first discovered in the iPod touch 2G, and used in the redsn0w tool to jailbreak that PMP.

Now, the Dev Team can use the same sort of technique as used in redsn0w to update ultrasn0w for Apple’s latest smartphone. The team believe that the iPhone 3GS’ bootrom was finalized in roughly August 2008, so the emergence of 24Kpwn earlier in 2009 did not affect it.

The Team are now working on integrating the new technique into ultrasn0w, which they’ve warned will “take some time”. Once that’s done, however, it will be possible to both jailbreak and unlock the iPhone 3GS.

iPhone OS 3.0 tethering, MMS hack released

Budi Putra — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:57:16 +0000

As we know, iPhone OS 3.0 allows you to tether your iPhone’s 3G connection to your laptop, or other mobile gadgets online while on the move. AT&T don’t officially support it so far, while others like O2 in the UK will offer it but of course with an extra data plan.

But, no matter you had a tether-plan status or not, here is another way to enjoy tethering – but do it at your own risk, of course.

One thing we know about iPhone users, though, is that if you show them a sign saying “no entry” they’ll work out a hack to enable it, and sure enough there’s now a simple way to turn on iPhone tethering no matter your carrier or tether-plan status. All you need do, in fact, is visit help.BenM.at on your iPhone and install a new local carrier profile configuration file.

There are files for tethering on multiple carriers – not just the official Apple partner in each company, but rivals for those using their iPhone unlocked – and more apparently being added all the time. Plus, there are install files for MMS support, including AT&T who have previously said that they won’t be officially enabling it on the iPhone until late summer.

[via SlashGear]

App Store hacked! Free apps for jailbroken iPhones

Chris Scott Barr — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:51:12 +0000

So those of you with a jailbroken iPhone may have been looking longingly towards the App Store, wishing you could get in on some of that action. Sure, you’ve had some pretty cool applications for a while, but you want more. Well thanks to some crafty hackers, you can start getting games from the App Store for free.

The Fairplay DRM was hacked some time back, which is what protects the applications, however, it has been applied to the ever popular Super Monkey Ball. If you know where to look, you can grab yourself a copy of the game for free.

Granted, you’re going to need to do a little work to make it happen. First, you have to have a jailbroken iPhone, then you’ll have to SSH in to change a few permissions and such, as well as to transfer the game. Now it’s only a matter of time before more and more apps start showing up like this.

[via Gizmodo]

iPhone 3G hacked for WiFi tethering to your laptop

Chris Davies — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:03:22 +0000

Talk about frustrating: when you’re in an area with decent coverage, the iPhone 3G can notch up some impressive data speeds. AT&T, though, won’t let you take advantage of all that speedy data by tethering the handset to your laptop; you’re only meant to use the unlimited plan on the iPhone 3G itself. Of course, we know that being told “no, you can’t” only encourages some people, and thankfully one of those people is Nate True.

Nate has figured out exactly how you can hook up the iPhone 3G to your notebook and use it as a tethered data modem. He’s even put together a guide explaining all the different software you’ll need to take advantage of to do it. The end result is a Jailbroken handset that can connect over WiFi to your computer, meaning this is actually wireless tethering.

Here’s the basic rundown:
- Jailbreak your iPhone 3G
- Install 3Proxy and Terminal
- Create an ad-hoc Wi-fi network using your laptop
- Join the network with your iPhone
- Find the iPhone’s IP address
- Open Terminal and run the proxy program
- Open Safari on your iPhone and open a web page
- Configure your browser to use the proxy

Of course, doing so contravenes AT&T’s data plan terms & conditions, and as such could get you into trouble with the carrier. And trouble in this case could mean a big fee for whatever tethered data you consume, or your contract being cancelled altogether. Nate suggests you only use the method when in dire need; personally, I’d wait until the iPhone 3G unlocking system is finally made available, and save tethering until you have a contract with another company that allows it.

[via Gear Live]

iPhone Dev team flex their muscle showing off jailbroken iPhone 3G

m3ga — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:35:09 +0000

It might not be a big challenge for a group of hackers called iPhone Dev team, after they have broken the firmware 2.0, they were able to do it again on the iPhone 3G. Four day after the successful launch of iPhone 3G, the hackers group has proven to be winning this never-ending flip-flop of swing.

The iPhone Dev team posted a video showing them connecting to the jailbroken iPhone 3G using SSH client. While it is not legal to break into an iPhone OS, iPhone Dev team envisioned that their tools would allow open applications to run side by side with iTunes listed applications.

Jailbreaking your phone will void your warranty and pose the risk of bricking your iPhone; if you are not comfortable of doing it, don’t! iPhone Dev team will be relasing this tools to the public very soon.

[via slashgear]

PwnageTool 2.0 video demo

Chris Davies — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:18:40 +0000

Cast aside all doubts: the iPhone Dev Team have released a video demonstrating them unlocking and Jailbreaking the iPhone 2.0 firmware with their new PwnageTool 2.0.

“We’ve added lots of new features, including 2.0 support, spotlight file indexing of .ipsws, canned websearches, installer custom configuration, custom root partitions and various other things that you’ll see on the release” iPhone Dev Team

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R63lKICiWfg[/youtube]

So far the tool itself is yet to be released. The Team are saying it’ll be “soon”, although not this weekend, and that the wording in the video should be pretty much ignored since it’s mainly just placeholder text.

Some have questioned the need for Pwnage now that Apple have released the App Store and made the iPhone available in many more countries. The increased tweaking tools, such as predefined websearches and custom root partitions, are obviously a move by the Team to keep the tool relevant. True, casual users probably won’t need to use it, but those looking to get the most out of Apple’s “21st Century Newton” should start biting their nails in anticipation now.

[via Engadget]

Fix cookies on your iPhone to remember passwords longer

Chris Scott Barr — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:59:31 +0000

If you’ve ever been surfing the net on your iPhone and been frustrated by having to log into the same sites every time you visit them, then I’ve got a cool fix for you. You’ll need to have a jailbroken iPhone (or iPod Touch) in order to use this. Just add http:/repo.ispazio.net to your sources in Inataller. Refresh, and search for iRemember. This will modify a few permissions that should allow your iPhone to keep your cookies around longer.

[via TUAW]

Pwnage tool for Windows launches in beta form

ashoperon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:03:11 +0000

The now infamous Pwnage tool has been enjoying making it’s way around the mac for some time now. Many people have already taken advantage of this great application on their Mac, and done some serious iPhone pwning. Until now, Windows users that do not have access to a Mac have been out of luck, but that is about to change.

The iPhone Dev Team has announced the availability of the iPhone Pwnage tool for Windows. This is great news for the Microsoft faithful among us. However, unfortunately for the Microsoft faithful among us, the Pwnage Tool for Windows is in beta, really beta. Many features, including unlocking, are not available in this version. There is scheduled to be a final release here in the next few days.

If you are brave enough to try this, here is where to get it. If you do give it a shot be sure to let us know how it goes!

[Via Just Another iPhone Blog]

ZiPhone unlock tool v3.0: embedded installer & custom plugins

Chris Davies — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:17:44 +0000

Arch iPhone hacker Zibri has announced version 3.0 of his nifty ZiPhone unlocking software, with a number of usability and problem-fix tweaks. Still a free download for anybody unhappy with their iPhone being tied to one carrier, ZiPhone now takes care of problems with WiFi functionality after unlocking, allows for customised plugins and adds an embedded app installer.

Full update:

No more need of fix nvram
Solution for GREYED wifi
No need for YouTube Fixes
Embedded apps installer
Customized plugins

“As usual it is better to use ziphone on a restored iPhone, but you can also just run ziphone -j to add the plugin support”Zibri

As ever, you hack with your iPhone at your own risk: iPhone Buzz takes no responsibility if the worst happens and you brick your cellphone! But if you try it out, do let us know in the comments…

[via iPhone Hacks]

iPhone PWNED

Vincent Nguyen — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:01:15 +0000

The iPhone Dev Team strikes at Apple’s core with the Pwnage tool. The PWN, which is publicaly available later today, Sunday March 30th, allows you to flash custom unsigned firmware onto the iPhone or iPod touch. Not only will PWN properly hack the iPhone and iPod touch, the iPhone Dev Team claims, “any subsequent firmware releases will also be vulnerable to “Pwnage”…like 1.2 (2.0) beta.” Is the iPhone Dev Team getting too arrogant for their own good or is it possible they’re that good to believe they’ve developed a tool that’s Jobs proof? Apple, I believe the ball is now in your court. Click over to watch the video and view screen shots of PWN in action.

The anonymous tipster also pointed us to an interview with the developers, conducted by the iPhone project. Based on the first question regarding what PWN will do for iPhone owners, the developers responded by saying that it will allow you to restore your handset to a jailbroken and unlocked state. Then, eventually, you’ll be able to back up the entire iPhone and restore it to whatever state you like it, restore straight to a jailbroken state with installer, or even potentially install other OSes like Linux right on the iPhone. How cool would it be to be able to dual boot the iPhone with Linux?

The iPhone Dev Team explained the overview process of how the first release of Pwnage works. First of all, you must be running Mac OSX; from what I can gather, while not available today the Windows version will be coming out further down the road.

The first thing to do is make sure you have the Official IPSW of the firmware you are running (eg. If you are running 1.1.4, download 1.1.4). Now open the Pwnage tool, and click “Browse .ipsw” and browse to the firmware file that you just downloaded. Next you click the “iPwner” button, and watch as PWNAGE patches the iPhone bootlader, making it possible to circumvent any code signing checks. After this, your iPhone will reboot. As the iPhone reboots, exit the Pwnage app, and reopen it.

Here is where the magic happens, once the phone has rebooted, click on “IPSW Builder,” and you are presented with a list of the building options (jailbreak, unlock, etc..) including the all new “BootNeuter,” the ultimate iPhone unlocking solution. Once you have customized your IPSW, hit OK and let Pwnage build the restore file. Next we head to iTunes, option+click on the restore button, and navigate to the custom ipsw that you just created,. Hit OK and we’re done! iTunes will restore the iPhone to the state of your choosing (Be it jailbroken, unlocked etc…). - The iPhone Dev Team

iPhone PWNED Demo

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggU5RpCPt1M[/youtube]

Pwnage Presentation in Moscow
MOSCOW, Russia, March 29, 2008

Today key members of “The iPhone DevTeam” demonstrated the long-awaited software application “Pwnage Tool”. The demonstration took place at the iPhone 3.0 party which brought together hundreds of iPhone hardware and software enthusiasts.

*The software is a self contained application (for MacOS 10.4.x and 10.5.x) that allows all current models of the iPhone device to be “Pwned”. This term (in relation to this software) refers to the patching of the stock bootloader so that it will allow the execution of unsigned code and circumvent code-signing checks. “Pwnage” only needs to be performed once to allow the additional features on the iPhone.

*The application also processes and modifies existing Apple archives so that unique, custom rolled firmware bundles can be installed onto the “Pwned” iPhone directly from iTunes.
These ”.ipsw” files can be created and patched by the application to allow third-party modifications such as activation, application installation, baseband modification, custom phone graphics etc.

*The tool works automatically on box-fresh (OTB) 1.1.3 and 1.1.4 iPhones and requires minimal interaction from the user.

*The tool also ships with an iPhone application that is automatically installed and run on first boot (if the user requests it) that is called “BootNeuter”, This will enable “Bootneutering” of the iPhone baseband allowing custom firmware to be installed. Arbitrary secpacks and fls files will be accepted when the device is in this state, please refer to the application help file for specific information.

If the user has access to developer versions of the iPhone software (such as 1.2 or 2.0) provisions have been made to support this software and allow it to be used on any device. This will be useful for legitimate SDK trialists to install their software on more than one device, this should not be used unless you are an official member of the SDK programme.

iPhone 2.0 leaked as early as this weekend?

Vincent Nguyen — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:33:37 +0000

According to sources close to iPhone Atlas, we could see a public leak of the iPhone 2.0 as early as this weekend. The update is currently officially available only to folks accepted into Apple’s $99 iPhone Developer program or who have been selected to beta test the release’s enterprise functionality.

Installation of the iPhone OS 1.2 beta generally requires a special signature from Apple, but an underground team has discovered a method for bypassing this signature and installing a modified edition of OS 1.2. This installation method requires the use of “Pwnage,” a tool that leverages an exploit found in the lower levels of the iPhone/iPod Touch bootloader. Exercising the exploit allows these devices to run unsigned code. With this capability in place, Pwnage can modify the iPhone OS 1.2 IPSW (installation file), pre-activating and pre-jailbreaking it.

Only iPhones that are already unlocked (not tethered to a sanctioned cellular network) can retain phone functionality after receiving the unauthorized. custom 1.2 update.

Keep in mind that if you go this route, you may need to continually upgrade to the latest build in order to keep the iPhone functional.

iPhone 2.0 features mass deleting and moving emails & view PowerPoint presentations

Staff Editor — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:16:09 +0000

Is June here yet? Why? Because I can’t wait to get my sweaty palms on the iPhone 2.0 firmware! According to the press release, iPhone 2.0 will let you move or delete emails in mass. This is one of those features that Apple should have made available out the door when the iPhone was launched. The second thing isn’t a big deal for me, but if being able to view PowerPoint presentation is important to ya’ then you’ll be happy to find out that it will be available in iPhone 2.0.

Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta
Includes SDK & Built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync

CUPERTINO, California—March 6, 2008—Apple® today previewed its iPhone™ 2.0 software, scheduled for release this June, and announced the immediate availability of a beta release of the software to selected developers and enterprise customers. The iPhone 2.0 beta release includes both the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide secure, over-the-air push email, contacts and calendars as well as remote wipe, and the addition of Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks.“We’re excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community with potentially thousands of native applications for iPhone and iPod touch,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPhone’s enterprise features combined with its revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and advanced software architecture provide the best user experience and the most advanced software platform ever for a mobile device.”

The iPhone SDK provides developers with a rich set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and tools to create innovative applications for iPhone and iPod® touch. Starting today, anyone can download the beta iPhone SDK for free and run the iPhone Simulator on their Mac®. Apple today also introduced its new iPhone Developer Program, giving developers everything they need to create native applications, and the new App Store, a breakthrough way for developers to wirelessly deliver their applications to iPhone and iPod touch users.

With the iPhone SDK, third party developers will be able to build native applications for the iPhone with a rich set of APIs, including programming interfaces for Core OS, Core Services, Media and Cocoa Touch technologies. The iPhone SDK will allow developers to create amazing applications that leverage the iPhone’s groundbreaking Multi-Touch™ user interface, animation technology, large storage, built-in three-axis accelerometer and geographical location technology to deliver truly innovative mobile applications.

Apple has licensed Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft and is building it right into the iPhone, so that iPhone will connect out-of-the-box to Microsoft Exchange Servers 2003 and 2007 for secure over-the-air push email, contacts, calendars and global address lists. Built-in Exchange ActiveSync support also enables security features such as remote wipe, password policies and auto-discovery. The iPhone 2.0 software supports Cisco IPsec VPN to ensure the highest level of IP-based encryption available for transmission of sensitive corporate data, as well as the ability to authenticate using digital certificates or password-based, multi-factor authentication. The addition of WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1x authentication enables enterprise customers to deploy iPhone and iPod touch with the latest standards for protection of Wi-Fi networks.

The iPhone 2.0 software provides a configuration utility that allows IT administrators to easily and quickly set up many iPhones, including password policies, VPN setting, installing certificates, email server settings and more. Once the configuration is defined it can be easily and securely delivered via web link or email to the user. To install, all the user has to do is authenticate with a user ID or password, download the configuration and tap install. Once installed, the user will have access to all their corporate IT services.

The iPhone 2.0 software release will contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch. The App Store enables developers to reach every iPhone and iPod touch user. Developers set the price for their applications—including free—and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues. Users can download free applications at no charge to either the user or developer, or purchase priced applications with just one click. Enterprise customers will be able to create a secure, private page on the App Store accessible only by their employees. Apple will cover all credit card, web hosting, infrastructure and DRM costs associated with offering applications on the App Store. Third party iPhone and iPod touch applications must be approved by Apple and will be available exclusively through the App Store.

The iPhone SDK provides a reliable, fast and secure way to create innovative applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. In addition to the rich set of iPhone OS APIs, the iPhone SDK also provides advanced tools for creating native iPhone and iPod touch applications including: Xcode® for source code editing, project management and graphical debugging; Interface Builder with drag and drop interface creation and live preview; Instruments to monitor and optimize iPhone application performance in real time; and the iPhone Simulator to run and debug applications.

During the beta iPhone SDK program, a limited number of developers will be accepted into Apple’s new iPhone Developer Program and offered the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing. The Standard Program costs $99 (US) per year and gives members an iPhone SDK and development tools; access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store. The Enterprise Program costs $299 (US) per year.

In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.

Pricing & Availability
Apple plans to release the final iPhone 2.0 software, including the iPhone SDK and new enterprise features, as a free software update for all iPhone customers by the end of June. Third party applications created for the iPhone will also run on the iPod touch, and iPod touch users will be required to purchase a software update to run these applications. The free beta iPhone SDK is available immediately worldwide and can be downloaded at developer.apple.com/iphone/program. The iPhone Developer Program will initially be available in the US and will expand to other countries in the coming months. Apple is accepting applications beginning today from enterprise customers who would like to join the private iPhone Enterprise Beta Program (www.apple.com/iphone/enterprise).

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

LEGO Touch for iPhone: Video Demo

Staff Editor — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:10:35 +0000

If there’s anything to get a geek’s mouth watering, it’s LEGO, and developer play/nyc are looking to bring some of that fun to the iPhone. Okay, so there’s nothing quite like having the real bricks in your hands, but with LEGO Touch for iPhone you’d be able to build models, animate them and even send them to friends so that they can see you’ve been doing no work. It all takes advantage of MultiTouch, positioning different bricks (of which there seem to be quite a range) and zooming to focus on tricky designs.

Image via play/nyc

Check out the video of Lego Touch for iPhone after the cut

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=IEMp15cwrMA[/youtube]

Sadly it’s only a speculative app at the moment, but LEGO would be mad not to jump on the possibility now that the iPhone SDK is available.