The unthinkable, as far as Apple is concerned, has happened, yet again. An independent security researcher has successfully cracked the latest iOS release and showcased a jailbroken iPhone X running on version 13.1.1. The dev claimed the exploit is "unpatchable" or that the jailbreak cannot be undone.
The hacker, identified as Axi0mX, announced via Twitter that a hardware exploit exists on iOS-run devices, and that would mean iPhones and iPads powered by the A-series chips can be unlocked or customized by users.
In case a jailbreak solution is built on the exploit, which Axio0mX labeled as "checkm8," it can be applied theoretically on nearly all circulating iOS devices. Specifically, the jailbreak can be used on the iPhone 4S, which is powered by A5, and up to the iPhone X that has the A11 mobile processor.
The achieved jailbreak, according to 9to5Mac, is implemented as semi-tethered. For would-be users, this means a computer is required in rebooting the system in order to apply the desired modifications.
Per the same report, the jailbreak itself is pretty impressive considering that jailbreaking, let alone in an advanced stage, has been hard to come by in recent years.
"Verbose booting iPhone X looks pretty cool. Starting in DFU Mode, it took 2 seconds to jailbreak it with checkm8, and then I made it automatically boot from NAND with patches for verbose boot. Latest iOS 13.1.1, and no need to upload any images," Axi0mX was reported as saying.
Even more impressive is the hacker's claim that checkm8 is an exploit that exists on targeted iOS devices. If true and if a public jailbreak based on checkm8 becomes available, Apple is unlikely to patch the issue on mere software updates.
As of writing, though, Apple has yet to comment on the matter.
Now the interesting question is: Will there be a public jailbreak release to follow the breakthrough shared by Axi0mX?
Such a scenario is always a possibility, The Verge said in a related report. A public release, however, is no longer rewarding these days as doing so will mean setting aside the big money that Apple offers as part of the tech giant's bounty program.
As of the last check, security exploits discovered by researchers and reported to Apple could fetch payments that run-up to a couple of millions of dollars. If indeed checkm8 is as epic as its discoverer claimed to be, it makes sense then to call Apple's attention on the exploit and not give it away as a public jailbreak solution.
Besides, it is widely believed that the majority of Apple device users cannot be bothered now to take part in jailbreaking activities, which, by the way can also lead to potential security breaches.
