Team Pangu releases first iOS 9.3.3 jailbreak

Incredibly, the Pangu jailbreak team has surprised everyone by launching an iOS 9.2-9.3.3 jailbreak solution. The initial release is currently available, however an English-language software tool is still in the works. The Chinese version can be downloaded for Windows computers, or opened directly on a compatible iOS device using Safari. Yes, a browser-based jailbreak exists, just like the good old days of JailbreakMe on iOS 4.3.3. Of course, as with all new software there are some caveats.

64-bit only

Besides the lack of Mac compatibility and a translation to English, there are a few things to be aware of before jumping in to jailbreak iOS 9.3.3. First off, only 64-bit devices are supported. Here's the official list of supported devices from Team Pangu:

iPhone 5s
iPhone 6, 6 Plus
iPhone 6s, 6s Plus
iPhone SE
iPod touch 6G
iPad mini 2, 3, 4
iPad Air, Air 2
iPad Pro

This leaves some iOS 9-compatible devices unable to jailbreak for the time being, such as the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c. Another version with 32-bit support is said to be in development, but there's no guarantee.

Semi-untethered

Furthermore, the jailbreak itself is somewhat experimental and has been dubbed "semi-untethered". What does semi-untethered mean? Each time the iOS device is rebooted, you have to run the Pangu app before trying to open Cydia. Not a big deal in itself, but this process is certainly not what fully untethered users (for example, with iOS 9.0.2) need to worry about.

Privacy

There are two other considerations. For one, the Windows version of Pangu asks for an Apple ID to jailbreak, which has some users concerned about privacy. To get around this problem, another Apple ID can be created just for this process, keeping personal data safe. Secondly, Pangu jailbreak software will install its own PP app store. While this is not ideal, the app store can quickly be deleted using Cydia.

Initial release

Last but certainly not least, this jailbreak is still in its earliest stages. Expect bugs, incompatibilities with iOS 9.3.3 and popular jailbreak tweaks, and problems during the jailbreak process itself. Those who are less brave can wait until the dust settles and the major issues have been corrected before updating to iOS 9.3.3 and running Pangu.