What is a jailbreak?
Apple prioritizes security across all its devices, which is why the firmware and system software contain appropriate security mechanisms. The manufacturer operates a closed-world model for its popular iPhones and iPads, which restricts user rights by preventing access to the administrator account. Removing these barriers manually is called a jailbreak. This unlocking process is only possible with special software that modifies iOS. In most cases, you have to run it on an external PC.
Most of the iOS jailbreak solutions available are provided by the iPhone Dev Team developer group, who published JailbreakMe, the tool that unlocked the first iPhone and iPod models in 2007. Later, the jailbreaks for the iPhone 4, 5 and 6 proved particularly popular. However, as of the release of iOS 10, interest in jailbreaking has decreased significantly because the system software has closed most loopholes and added hardware protection mechanisms. The benefits of jailbreaking devices for users now are relatively small.
What advantages does a jailbreak have for iPad and iPhone users?
The greatest advantage you have after a jailbreak is the ability to install and use apps that are not available in theApp Store. These are mostly tools to optimize the performance (tweaks) and adapt the appearance (themes), which Apple does not support by default. This is made possible by alternative stores that supply the relevant third-party apps for jailbroken iOS devices.
The package manager Cydia, which is installed automatically along with many jailbreak tools, is one of the best-known solutions. In 2018, however, Cydia’s developer officially stopped updating the alternative store.
Here is an overview of the most important advantages and features of jailbreaking an iPhone, iPad, and iPod:
1. Installation and use of third-party apps not available in the App Store
2. Customization of the appearance (icons, boot animation, etc.)
3. Access to hidden iOS system files
4. Enable file sharing between iOS and Android devices
5. Overcome the limitation of Bluetooth connections to image transfer only
6. Ability to uninstall manufacturer-specific default apps
What are the risks of jailbreaks?
At first glance, iOS jailbreaks would appear to be wholly beneficial to users. After all, in principle, all they do is give additional administrative and app management options. However, unlocking system access manually brings with it a series of risks you must be aware of if you are considering a jailbreak for your Apple device.
For example, the unlocking process itself could damage the system, preventing the mobile device from working properly afterward. It is extremely unlikely that Apple will take your device back if this is the case, which is generally the case for damage resulting from a jailbreak attempt.
Furthermore, jailbreaks and the resulting access to administrators don’t just open the system up to you, but also potential attackers. Unprotected app installations not only make it easier for criminals to sneak spyware and malware onto your iPhone or iPad, but it also allows them to do more harm with their tools. Another fundamental problem of the hacked mobile devices is that if a new official version of iOS is published, you cannot install it, stopping you from using the latest features.
The key problems and risks of iOS jailbreaks are:
1. The jailbreak process can damage the system and risk compromising the functionality of iOS.
2. The system becomes more susceptible to malware and spyware.
3. The potential for damage by malware and spyware is elevated.
4. Guarantee and warranty claims may become void.
5. You may not be able to upgrade to new iOS versions easily.
These are instructions on how to jailbreak your iPhone on iOS 14.3 using unc0ver and Windows.
This procedure will work on all iPhones that support iOS 14.3, including the iPhone 12. Be sure to back up your iPhone. This process should be safe; however, it’s always a good idea to backup your device before attempting a jailbreak.
Step One
Download and install the latest version of iTunes directly from Apple, not via the Microsoft Store.
To do this, navigate to https://www.apple.com/itunes, then tap the small Windows link to the right of the message “Looking for other versions?”.
The page will then reload with a large blue Download iTunes for Windows no (64-bit) button. Click the button to download iTunes directly from Apple.
Step Two
Once iTunes has been downloaded and installed, download and install the latest version of iCloud for Windows directly from Apple found in this support document.
Make sure to click the download iCloud for Windows on Apple’s website link.
Once installation is complete, sign in with your Apple ID.
Step Three
Navigate to https://www.altstore.io and use the Windows button to download AltInstaller to your device.
Step Four
Right-click the downloaded altinstaller.zip and choose Extract All from the contextual menu that appears.
Click Extract to begin extracting the archive.
Step Five
Double click setup.exe from the newly created folder.
If prompted with a security warning, click Run.
Step Six
Follow through the setup wizard by clicking Next until AltServer is installed successfully. If prompted to allow this app from an unknown publisher to make changes to your device, click Yes.
Click Close once AltServer has successfully been installed.
Step Seven
Launch AltServer from the Windows menu at the bottom left of your screen.
Make sure to Allow access when prompted by Windows Defender.
Step Seven
Launch AltServer from the Windows menu at the bottom left of your screen.
Make sure to Allow access when prompted by Windows Defender.
Step Eight
Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes
If prompted, tap the Trust button on your device and Continue in iTunes to allow your computer to access the device.
From the Summary tab, check the box next to Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi, then click the Apply button.
Step Nine
Click the AltServer icon at the bottom right of your screen. You may need to click the up arrow to reveal it.
Select your device from the Install AltStore menu.
Enter your Apple ID and password to continue.
AltStore will now be installed on your device.
Step Ten
Launch the Settings app from your SpringBoard. Choose General from the Settings menu then tap Device Management.
Tap your Apple ID, then press to Trust your Apple ID, then select Trust from the popup that appears.
Step Eleven
Once your Apple ID has been trusted you can now launch AltStore from your SpringBoard. Click OK when prompted to let
AltStore connect to devices on your local network and Allow to permit notifications.
Step Twelve
Return to your SpringBoard, open Safari, and navigate to unc0ver.dev.
Tap the Open in AltStore button located on the webpage, then choose Open from the popup that appears.
Step Thirteen
AltStore will open and ask you to sign in to your Apple ID to begin the installation.
If a How it works screen is displayed, tap Got It.
Once the app has been installed successfully, AltStore will display unc0ver in its list of installed apps.
Step Fourteen
Return to your SpringBoard, launch the newly installed unc0ver app, then press the Jailbreak button to begin jailbreaking your device.
If your device reboots early in the process, relaunch unc0ver and tap Jailbreak to try again.
If presented with an ad, press the x at the top left to continue.
You’ll then be told that the system needs to reboot to complete the jailbreak. Press the OK button to continue.
Step Fifteen
Once your device has rebooted, launch unc0ver from the SpringBoard once more, then tap Jailbreak.
If presented with an ad, press the x at the top left to continue. Tap OK to reboot your device into a jailbroken state.
Step Sixteen
Congratulations, you’ve successfully jailbroken your device.
You can now launch Cydia from your SpringBoard and begin downloading new tweaks and apps!
