redsn0w

Apple has released the golden master (GM) version of iOS 5 to developers in preparation for the public launch next week. As usual, the iPhone Dev-Team is constantly working to improve the redsn0w jailbreak tool and now has released redsn0w 0.9.9 beta 3 for Mac and 0.9.9 beta 3a for Windows. The latest version of redsn0w can jailbreak iOS 5 GM on all devices except for the iPad 2.

Of course, the current iOS 5 jailbreak is a tethered jailbreak for most devices, meaning the iPhone must be connected to your computer when booting. If the device is rebooted without using redsn0w then iOS 5 will load up in a normal state without any jailbroken apps available (except for the iPhone 3GS using an old bootrom). As developers already know, iTunes 10.5 beta 7 is required to install iOS 5 GM.

iPhone Dev-Team is celebrating the third anniversary of their PwnageTool with the release of an untethered jailbreak solution for the latest Apple firmware, iOS 4.3.1. The new version of redsn0w will jailbreak all devices that support iOS 4.3.1 except for the iPad 2. Apple got smart with the iPad 2, and the device can't be compromised by the limera1n or SHAtter exploits used on other devices.

The current jailbreak was made possible by developer Stefan Esser (@i0n1c) who has a long history of researching security on Apple products. Redsn0w is available directly from the iPhone Dev-Team for both Mac OS X and Windows platforms. PwnageTool is also available for Mac OS X and required to jailbreak the second-generation Apple TV.

The long awaited untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 is here, albeit in limited fashion. The instructions below pertain to Redsn0w 0.9.7b1, a beta release of the so-called "backup plan" untethered jailbreak. This release is not the final release and, being a beta, requires a bit more effort than the eventual final release should. This jailbreak is also limited to the iPhone 4, iPad and iPod Touch 4G.

The following provides step-by-step instructions on how to jailbreak your iPhone (or other iOS device) using Redsn0w 0.9.7b1.

Dev-Team are in the final days of developing the next jailbreak solution upgrade for iPhone 4 users running iOS 4.2.1. Release could even happen this week if recent Twitter activity from team members is to be believed. Most recently MuscleNerd announced that "it’ll be here by Xmas (not because we’re sitting waiting for Xmas, but because it’s achievable deadline)" when asked about an untethered jailbreak via Twitter.

Although he has since removed the post, an earlier message from comex pointed to a release before the Christmas holiday. When asked "I want a 4.2.1 untethered jailbreak for christmas :P" by another Twitter user, comex replied, "you’ll get it."

Now that redsn0w has been updated to jailbreak iOS 4.2.1 you may be wondering what's involved in actually jailbreaking your iPhone. Here are some tips and instructions to help. First of all, if you have an unlocked iPhone don't update your device to the official iOS 4.2.1 or use the redsn0w 0.9.6b4 jailbreak. You will lose your unlock.

UPDATE: Comex has released an easier method for newer 4.x firmwares. Click here for instructions on how to use JailbreakMe 3.0 to jailbreak your device.

Always back up your SHSH files before jailbreaking. This will preserve your ability to downgrade in the future. You must also find out if a tethered jailbreak is necessary on your device.