Factory Unlock iPhone 5, 4S iOS 6.1.3, Including iPhone 4, 3GS After 6.1.3 Jailbreak - Although the majority of questions we receive at Evasion Jailbreak are related to jailbreaking, iOS 6.1.3, downgrading and our expert jailbreak tutorials, a number of our users often inquire about unlocking their iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, 4 and 3GS models. In this article, we’ll highlight the best type of unlock and how any iPhone model on any baseband, running any firmware, including iOS 6.1.3 can be easily unlocked. Before we begin though, it’s important to realize that unlocking is fundamentally different from jailbreaking in that it allows an iPhone to be used on carriers other than the one it was initially intended for and essentially “locked” to. Although jailbreaks and unlocks can coexist, the two are entirely separate. For the latest on jailbreaking, we recommend reading our recent article on the topic.
iOS 6.1.1 UnTethered Jailbreak iPhone 4S using Evasi0n version 1.3 - Another day, another firmware release. As we reported earlier, today Apple released iOS 6.1.1 to the public. The latest version of iOS is, surprisingly, similar to iOS 6.0.2 in the sense that it’s exclusive to the iPhone 4S and was issued merely to correct a known bug present in iOS 6.1 that affects 3G cellular performance. In Apple’s haste to release the update, they overlooked one thing: the Evasi0n iOS 6 through 6.1.2 UnTethered Jailbreak, thus leaving the vulnerabilities un-patched. As it turns out, today’s release is an entirely different firmware from the developer-specific version of iOS 6.1.1 released last week.
Apple Releases 6.1.1 For iPhone 4S, Evasi0n Jailbreak iOS 6.1.1 Update In Development - Following last week’s release of iOS 6.1.1 beta 1, today Apple released their new 6.1.1 firmware to the public. The update, which is exclusive to the iPhone 4S, was issued to address a bug that significantly reduces the battery life of the iPhone 4S when running over a 3G cellular data connection. iOS 6.1.1 is on the smaller side of iOS updates, coming in at a measly 23MB for the over-the-air (OTA) upgrade - the build number for 6.1.1 has also been updated to 10b145.
While we addressed one frequently asked question earlier this week, today we’re going to tackle another. A number our iPhone readers at jailbreaking iOS 6 submit questions pertaining to unlocking on a daily basis. For those of you who are unaware, the process of unlocking allows users to take their iPhone to a different carrier and use their services in lieu of their original provider.
All iPhones, save the ones that are bought in full for the unsubsidized price, are locked to the carrier they were purchased from.
How is Unlocking different from Jailbreaking iOS 6?
As mentioned above, unlocking and jailbreaking are two completely different processes, which yield different results. When a user jailbreaks an iOS device, they’re essentially installing Cydia and opening it to an entirely new world of third-party applications, themes and much more (additional details here). Alternatively, when an iPhone is unlocked, it allows the user to switch to other carriers and services.
The three different Unlocks:
Although most users are only aware of one or two types of unlock methods, there are actually a total of three; all of which are detailed below.
Software-based iPhone Unlock
Currently, the only major software unlock for the iPhone is through a utility developed by the iPhone Dev Team called Ultrasn0w. However, before you get your hopes up, there are severe limitations to the tool, as it hasn’t received a significant update in well over a year. Ultrasn0w officially supports up to iOS 5.1.1 and is able to unlock select iPhone models on specific basebands (Modem Firmware). Here’s a list of supported iPhones and basebands:
iPhone 3G and 3GS - 04.26.08, 05.11.07, 05.12.01, 05.13.04, and 06.15.00 (the iPad baseband).
iPhone 4 - Unfortunately, Ultrasn0w only supports the iPhone 4 on baseband 01.59.00.
If you have an older iPhone, you can determine if your baseband is compatible by opening the Settings app, navigating to General, About and looking for the Modem Firmware.
Hardware-based iPhone Unlock
To simply sum it up, a hardware unlock utilizes the addition of a small device that’s inserted into the iPhone underneath the SIM card, which then allows the device to function on unsupported carriers. While it sounds great, the major problem with hardware-based unlocks is that similar to Ultrasn0w, not all iPhone basebands are supported.
Additionally, more often than not, resellers of hardware unlock solutions are simply there to make money and exclude which iPhones and basebands are included and supported by their products.
IMEI iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS and 3G Unlock
As apparent by the title of this section, IMEI unlocks are truly the only way to go if you’re looking to unlock your iPhone on the latest iOS 6 firmware or earlier. Before we go too in-depth, it’s crucial to mention that an iPhone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 17 or 15 digit code, which is used by manufacturers and carriers to identify and differentiate every mobile phone. To determine your iPhone’s IMEI, simply open the Phone app and dial *#06#. Apple utilizes an iPhone’s IMEI to categorize iPhones by either factory locked or factory unlocked.
Which iPhones, Firmwares and Basebands are covered through IMEI unlocks?
Essentially, because companies who provide IMEI unlocks employ the same methods as official carriers, an iPhone’s firmware and baseband are irrelevant. Moreover, the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3Gs can all be unlocked by their IMEI.
iOS 6: Apple’s latest 6.0.1 firmware and their upcoming iOS and 6.1 version
As mentioned above, all basebands for the supported iPhones are covered through IMEI unlocks. However, if you still want to check, the following are compatible:
A new report from BGR states that their “reliable” Apple sources have informed them that testing for iOS 6.0.1 has already begun with select U.S. carriers. While mostly obvious, Apple will apparently address various areas of concern and numerous bugs with the release of 6.0.1. Mostly though, the new firmware will correct the issue of horizontal lines appearing when an app folder is open or the virtual keyboard is up and a bug that causes the camera’s LED flash to malfunction at times.
Additionally, the new 6.0.1 version of iOS is said to improve WiFi connectivity, correct a cellular data issue, disallow the access of certain Passbook pass details on the lock screen, add an iTunes Match toggle for cellular data and patch an issued that causes Exchange meetings to be sporadically canceled for the entire calendar group.
Also, in the same report, BRG notes that Apple has initiated the testing phase for iOS 6.1. Because testing has just begun, it’s extremely unlikely that the new 6.1 iOS version will be introduced alongside the upcoming iPad Mini, unless Apple releases a separate firmware stickily for the new iPad. Regardless of Apple’s initial rollout plans for iOS 6.1, it’s expected that the all current iOS-based devices will receive the update in the coming weeks or months.
Jailbreak 6.1 and UnTethered Jailbreak 6.0.1 - What to expect
Currently, the only jailbreak available for iOS 6, 6.0 is in the form of a Tethered RedSn0w utility. Moreover, the jailbreaking tool offers limited support for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and the 4th Generation iPod touch. Unfortunately, once the iPad Mini and iOS 6.0.1 are released to the public, the same will be true. Both the iPhone Dev Team and the Chronic Dev Team will need to run various tests and discover numerous exploits before they can compile and release an UnTethered iOS 6.0.1 jailbreak utility.
Furthermore, when an iOS 6 UnTethered jailbreak utility is released depends almost entirely on Apple’s 6.0.1 and 6.1 release schedule. The developers might decide it’s best to wait for iOS 6.1 before releasing a new jailbreak for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS, iPad Mini, iPad 3, 2 and the iPod touch 5th and 4th Generation.
However, thanks to the iPhone Dev Team’s recent work on Cydia compatibility for iOS 6, upon Apple’s release of both iOS 6.0.1 and 6.1, an updated version of Redsn0w with support for the new firmwares should pushed out within 24 hours.
At JailbreakingiOS6, we receive a countless number of questions pertaining to the jailbreak status of the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPad 3, iPad 2, iPod touch 5th Gen and the UnTethered iOS 6 jailbreak in general. Unfortunately, the majority of your questions can be answered with one word, the answer is no. As of now, there isn’t an UnTethered jailbreak for 6.0 and the latest version of RedSn0w only supports the iPhone 4, 3GS and the iPod touch 4th Generation.
With that said, in this post, we’re going to discuss the major differences between UnTethered and Tethered jailbreaks and elaborate on the meaning of a Semi UnTethered or a Semi Tethered jailbreak.
UnTethered versus Tethered iOS 6 Jailbreak
Essentially, there’s only one noticeable difference to the everyday iOS-device owner between an UnTethered and a Tethered jailbreak. Without getting too technical, both jailbreak employ different forms of exploits, which result in a very different outcome. A Tethered jailbreak requires the user to rely on Redsn0w’s “Just boot” option in order to reboot their iDevice to its fully functional jailbroken state (we’ll discuss this further when reviewing what a Semi UnTethered jailbreak is). Alternatively, an UnTethered jailbreak doesn’t require a utility at all to reboot - hence the name “UnTethered”.
Also, I wanted to briefly elaborate on why Tethered jailbreaks only extend to specific devices and why UnTethered jailbreaks are so rare. As mentioned above, Tethered jailbreaks only include devices with an A4 processors or earlier, which would be the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and the 4th Generation iPod touch, as Apple has phased out the others. Moreover, newer devices with an A5, A5X or even the iPhone 5 with its A6 processor aren’t supported because Apple patched the limera1n exploit roughly two years ago, which is what Tethered jailbreaks are centered around.
While I could go on for hours explaining and thoroughly outlining the advantages, disadvantages and details of Tethered and UnTethered jailbreaks, I’m going to conclude this segment of the article by saying this: the Dev Teams are cautious. A lot of work goes towards the development of an UnTethered jailbreak utility and a lot of exploits are utilized. Once the UnTethered jailbreak is released, Apple can easily patch said exploits through an updated version of iOS, and so continues the game of cat and mouse.
Jailbreak iOS 6, Semi UnTethered and Semi Tethered
Semi UnTethered and Semi Tethered, what do they mean? Fortunately, we only have to explain what a Semi Tethered jailbreak is, as the two are one and the same. After performing a Tethered jailbreak through RedSnow, jailbreakers often prefer to install a package from Cydia that converts their Tethered jailbreak into a Semi Tethered jailbreak. While still required to reboot using RedSn0w to retain complete functionality, a Semi Tethered jailbreak allows users to reboot their device without the assistance of the utility for limited functionality. Essentially, the Semi Tethered package acts as a lifeline if you aren’t near a computer and your iPhone or iPod touch dies and you have to reboot. Please be sure to visit the post from BigBoss on the topic if you have additional inquiries.
Hopefully this article has answered the majority of your questions - if not, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll attempt to provide additional insight. Finally, to be immediately notified on any and all updates pertaining to the iOS 6 UnTethered jailbreak, subscribe to our official JailbreakingiOS6 and Jailbreak 6.0 UnTethered news feed.
Today, after months of waiting, Apple has finally released iOS 6.0 to the Public. The newest firmware adds over 200 features to iOS, including Apple’s new and redesigned Maps app, improvements to Siri (the iOS-exclusive personal assistant), updates to both the Safari and Mail apps, the addition of iCloud tabs, Facebook integration, Apple’s new digital wallet Passbook app, a FaceTime over cellular data update, overall improvements to the user interface and much more. Users can update to the new firmware via Apple’s over-the-air update feature (accessible in the Settings app) or through iTunes.
Jailbreak iOS 6, 6.0 information :
Now that we’ve covered the release of iOS 6, it’s time to move on to our area of expertise: jailbreaking. While currently not available, a new iOS 6 jailbreak will be released by the iPhone Dev Team shortly in the form of an update to RedSn0w. However, unfortunately, the new jailbreak will be similar to the one released for iOS 6.0 GM (Gold Master) in the sense that it will provide a Tethered jailbreak for limited devices.
First, before explaining the differences between Tethered and UnTethered jailbreaks, it’s important to look at supported devices. As mentioned above, the jailbreak for iOS 6 will be Tethered and only the following devices will be compatible with the jailbreak:
iPhone 4 - both GSM and CDMA models (AT&T, Verizon and Sprint in the US)
iPhone 3Gs
fourth-generation iPod touch 4G
Seeing as the 6.0 jailbreak will initially be Tethered, it will be incompatible with newer devices. For a utility such as RedSnow to include support for the newest iDevices, the Dev Team will have to find exploits that function properly and allow for the injection of code. The reason the above iOS-devices are supported is because Geohot (George Hotz) discovered the infamous limera1n hardware exploit and an updated one has yet to be uncovered. Because of this, the following devices won’t be supported in the initial iOS 6.0 jailbreak:
the all-new iPhone 5
iPhone 4S
iPad 3
the cellular iPad 3 variant
iPad 2
iPad 2 GSM version
iPad 2 CDMA edition
iPod touch 5G fifth-generation
Also, due to Apple phasing certain devices out, neither the iPod touch 3G (third-generation) nor the original iPad will be supported in the upcoming iOS 6 jailbreak.
Final UnTethered Jailbreak iOS 6.0 support
As briefly mentioned earlier, the jailbreak will initially be Tethered instead of UnTethered. While UnTethered jailbreaking utilities are the preferred choice for users, the Dev Team can easily release an updated Tethered jailbreak thanks to the limera1n exploit.
The key difference between a Tethered and an UnTethered jailbreak is the Tethered jailbreak’s requirement of a computer to successfully boot into the device’s jailbroken state. In order for an UnTethered jailbreak solution to be released, the Dev Team will have to discover new exploits that are compatible with every device in both of the above lists, which may take some time. That being said, if you own any of the iOS devices that will be incompatible with the iOS 6 Tethered jailbreak, it’s recommended to remain on 5.1.1, as it has a currently active UnTethered jailbreak.
As for the release of the upcoming Tethered 6.0 Redsn0w version, as pictured above, Musclenerd tweeted that an update will “be out soon”. At this point, it’s anticipated that the Dev Team will release the new version sometime later today or tomorrow.
Subscribe to our official Jailbreak iOS 6 Public release and JailbreakingiOS6 feed to be instantly notified once the Tethered and UnTethered iOS 6 jailbreak utilities are released - we’ll keep you completely updated.
Shortly after today’s September iPhone 5 and iOS 6 media event concluded, Apple released the next version of 6.0 for developers. But, before we further discuss the new firmware, as a reminder, don’t forget to check JailbreakingiOS6 frequently. Now that Apple is preparing to release iOS 6 to the public, the members of JailbreakingiOS6 are also readying to provide the best possible iOS 6 jailbreak coverage. We’ll feature countless tutorials, tips and tricks pertaining to 6.0 and jailbreaking in general.
Apple’s iOS 6 GM, 6.0 Gold Master edition
As mentioned above, after today’s event, Apple seeded iOS 6 GM to developers. iDevice owners around the globe will now have the opportunity to experience iOS 6 firsthand. While the official version of iOS 6 won’t be released until next week, iOS 6.0 Gold Master (GM) is currently available. The two version will be practically identical, as the Golden Master seed is essential the final version. It’s just intended for developers. However, users aren’t required to have their device’s UDID (unique device identifier) registered through Apple’s developer program to restore to the new pre-release firmware. Update: the official iOS 6 gold master Jailbreak has been released.
Jailbreak iOS 6 GM - Gold Masters Download information :
Similar to our previous GM guide, we’ll go over what to expect for the 6.0 Gold Master jailbreak in this reference article as well. While the 6.0 Gold Master candidate is already released, the iPhone Dev Team (the security experts and hackers behind both Redsnow and PwnageTool) have yet to release a new version of the RedSn0w jailbreak utility. However, once an update is pushed out by the Dev Team, it will provide a Tethered jailbreak for certain devices. In short, a Tethered jailbreak differs from an UnTethered Jailbreak in the sense that it’s required to re-run a certain part of the utility every time the device has to reboot in order for it to properly function. If Redsn0w’s just boot Tethered option isn’t used prior to the reboot of a jailbroken device, it will simply appear to be bricked, as the screen will remain at the boot logo. The reason the GM jailbreak will be tethered, along with the initial jailbreak utility for the final release of iOS 6 is because numerous exploits are required to create what’s called an UnTethered Jailbreak. Once the exploits of an UnTethered jailbreak are revealed through the release of a tool, they can easily be patched by Apple. Also, the iPhone Dev Team likely wants to accomplish an iPhone 5 and iPod Touch 5G (fifth-generation) jailbreak prior to releasing an UnTethered tool.
Moreover, unfortunately, due to the long-outdated limera1n exploit used in tethered jailbreaks, only older (A4 and earlier) devices will be supported. That would include the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, the original iPad 1 and the iPod touch 4G (fourth-generation). As long as those devices are still officially supported through Apple, they’ll always be capable of jailbreaking through a tethered utility.
As for the completely finalized version of iOS 6, as mentioned in the beginning of this guide, Apple announced that current iDevice owners can install the firmware on September 19th. However, iOS 6 won’t be available until the 21st for both the new iPhone 5 and the iPod Touch 5th-generation, as they won’t be released until the later date. With that said, it’s recommended to subscribe to our official JailbreakiOS6 feed to be notified as soon as the iOS 6 GM jailbreak is released.
With Apple’s confirmed September 12th iPhone 5 and iOS 6 media event only days away, the staff here at JailbreakingiOS6 are gearing up in full force. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about iOS 6 and jailbreaking in general. We’ve already provided a countless number of developers with the best tutorial for jailbreaking the 6.0 beta firmwares and, once Apple officially releases the next major version of iOS, we’ll provide the countless number of iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users with the best in-depth written instructions.
iOS 6 GM (Gold Master) edition
Shortly after the September 12th media event, Apple is expected to seed iOS 6 GM. Once they do, users from around the world will have the opportunity to experience iOS 6 for the first time. However, before Apple pushes out the finalized version of iOS 6, they’ll release 6.0 Gold Master (GM). While intended for developers to provide once last round of testing, in the past, non-developers have been able to successfully restore to the near-finished GM build of previous iOS versions. It’s extremely likely that iOS 6 will follow earlier Gold Master releases by allowing the public to upgrade to the firmware. Currently, iOS 6 beta 4, as well as previous beta builds, require the device’s UDID (unique device identifier) to be registered with a developer’s account before restoring.
What’s a UDID?
As previously mentioned, UDID stands for unique device identifier. Every iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is associated with a UDID, which is simply a random sequence of 40 numbers and letters used to differentiate devices. A device’s UDID is often used by developers when testing their App Store apps and one of the main applications Apple uses it for is to determine whether or not a device is eligible to restore to beta firmwares. However, curiously enough, Apple has never officially addressed why they don’t require an iPad, iPod or iPhone to be registered under a developer’s account when restoring to a GM build.
Jailbreaking iOS 6 GM and Final Release information :
This wouldn’t be JailbreakingiOS6 if we didn’t go over what to expect as far as a 6.0 GM jailbreak goes, would it? Shortly after Apple releases the Gold Master candidate build, it’s expected that the iPhone Dev Team (the geniuses behind Redsn0w and PwnageTool) will release an updated version of the RedSn0w utility to provide a Tethered jailbreak for select devices. But, before we proceed, this is an ideal opportunity to briefly elaborate on the differences between the two types of jailbreaks. First, we have UnTethered, which is the ideal choice for the majority of users. An UnTethered jailbreak requires that you run your iDevice through the jailbreak process once. The jailbreak will remain unless you restore or update to a newer firmware via iTunes, if that’s the case, you’ll need to jailbreak again. The second type is a Tethered Jailbreak. Without getting too technical, this differs from an UnTethered jailbreak because users are required to re-run a certain part of the utility every time the device reboot in order to escaped the dreaded infinite bootloop. Moreover, tethered jailbreaks only function with certain devices, as Apple patches them with the release of updated hardware. Currently, only the iPhone 4, iPhone 3Gs, iPod Touch fourth-generation and the original iPad will be supported in any and all iOS 6 Tethered jailbreaks. However, due to the nature of the Tethered jailbreak, every time Apple pushes out a new firmware, the devices previously mentioned will always be capable of jailbreaking; as long as they’re still supported by Apple.
As for the final release of iOS 6, if Apple follows the same schedule as last year, it will be available to the public the same day the iPhone 5 launches. While there will certainly be limitations to jailbreaking iOS 6 GM, it will still enhance the iOS experience for users with supported devices. That being said, subscribe the official JailbreakiOS6 Gold Master feed to be notified once iOS 6 GM and the jailbreak are released.
With the public version of iOS 6 less than a moth away, estimated to be shortly after the rumored September 12th iPhone unveiling event, this reference guide will provide everything you need to know related to jailbreaking iOS 6. Once the firmware is pushed out sometime in September, it’s almost guaranteed that it will be Tethered with limited support.
Jailbreaking iOS 6 beta and UnTethered information :
Currently, there is a jailbreak available for the 6.0 beta versions. However, since Apple restricts their unreleased firmwares to registered developers, the RedSn0w utility is mostly tailored towards them. Those who update to and jailbreak iOS 6 beta will not receive Cydia: a graphical user interface that most jailbreakers use to search for and install third-party packages. Instead, the beta utility will inject a small portion of code into the firmware to allow for SSH and root access.
Enabling complete control and access to root directories is essentially the main purpose for jailbreaking. Cydia was simply developed as an interface for users to quickly and easily take advantage of root access by browsing for an installing different .deb files. For those of you who don’t know, deb is the official extension for Debian software packages and is more often than not used to name binary packages. In the case of jailbreaking, all of the different software tweaks, modifications, add-ons and apps are packaged in a Debian form. While there isn’t a GUI for installing the third-party software additions, developers and users can accomplish the installation process through an SSH program that’s equipped with a command prompt. For now, check below for a list of supported iOS 6 devices.
Supported devices under the Redsn0w 0.9.13 Tethered iOS 6 Jailbreak :
iPhone 3Gs
iPhone 4
iPhone 4 CDMA model
iPod Touch 4G, fourth-generation
iOS-devices to be included once a utility can Jailbreak iOS 6 UnTethered :
iPhone 4S
iPad 2 WiFi model
iPad 2
iPad 2 GSM varient
iPad 2 CDMA edition
iPad 3 Global version
Unfortunately, neither the the iPod Touch 3G (third-generation) nor the original iPad 1 will be included due to the fact that Apple will stop supporting them with the release of iOS 6.
While there are certainly limitations to jailbreaking the beta versions of 6.0, it can still enhance the iOS experience if the packages are compatible with the updated firmware. But, keep in mind that it’s mainly for third-party developers who wish to add support to their existing tweaks and mods. With that said, be sure to subscribe the official JailbreakiOS6 feed to be notified once iOS 6 and an UnTethered Jailbreak are officially released. This instructional guide will continue to be updated as soon as new information becomes available. Check back frequently for all of your jailbreak and iOS 6 related inquires.
