First iPhone 3GS jailbreaking tool available for download

[AppleInsider]

George Hotz, the 19-year old wiz kid who made headlines two years ago for being the first to successfully unlock Apple's original iPhone all by himself, is again drawing the spotlight for creating and releasing the first-ever jailbreaking tool for the new iPhone 3GS.

Dubbed "purplera1n," the software is currently in beta and available for Windows-only, but Hotz said a Mac version is next on his list. Those interested in using the tool should first backup their iPhone 3GS running iPhone Software 3.0 and make sure they have iTunes 8.2 installed.

Hotz boasts that the binary size of purplera1n is smaller than a C++ hello world application -- essentially the most basic piece of software that can be written for modern day computer systems, which simply spits out the phrase "hello world" and terminates.

"No 20MB thing that needs to be torrented," he wrote in a blog post. "And no IPSW to download. This is how jailbreak should be!"

After downloading purplera1n, jailbreaking takes just a few simple steps. "Connect your iPhone normally. Click 'make it ra1n'. Wait. On bootup, run Freeze, the purplera1n installer app. Hopefully you'll figure out what to do from there," Hotz wrote.

The Glen Rock, New Jersey native said he doesn't normally make tools for release to the general public, and prefers to wait for the unofficial iPhone dev team to tackle such matters. "But guys, whats up with waiting until [iPhone Software] 3.1?," he joshed. "That isn't how the game is played. We release, Apple fixes, we find new holes."

"It isn't worth waiting because you might have the 'last' hole in the iPhone," he added in a challenge to fellow hackers before turning his attention to the iPhone maker itself. "What last hole...this isn't golf. I'll find a new one next week. Also your purplera1nyday files ensure that you can always get back to a jailbroken state, so if you have it it's just a matter of tools."

For those unaware, jailbreaking is a process that allows iPhone and iPod Touch users to run unofficial apps on their devices that aren't available, or do not meet the strict requirements, of Apple's App Store. Once jailbroken, users can download these applications and install them using unofficial installers such as Cydia and Icy.

Jailbreaking, however, is distinct from unlocking, which is the process by which a mobile device is made compatible with wireless networks for which it has not been licensed use.

Hotz gained notoriety back in 2007 when he became the first to unlock the original iPhone all by himself, using both software and hardware modifications. Just 17 years old at the time, he attempted to sell the unlocked phone on eBay but ended the auction after fake bids apparently sent the price north of $100 million.

He later traded the unlocked phone for "a sweet Nissan 350Z" and three locked iPhones.

Disclaimer: Jailbreaking and unlocking tools for iPhones are unsanctioned hacks which Apple frowns upon and combats regularly with new iPhone Software updates. As such, there is always the risk they could damage your handset's software. AppleInsider reports on these tools for the sake of the interested public and readers should use common sense before applying any of them.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[MacTripper]

Just 17 years old at the time, he attempted to sell the unlocked phone on eBay but ended the auction after fake bids apparently sent the price north of $100 million

The kid thought they were fake, the governments doing the bidding didn't think so.



<start tinfoil hat mode>

I know, from certain Electronic Warfare training, that the US government takes great pains to purchase and exploit every piece of hardware available. If it uses electricity, it has a electronic signature and they record that so they can monitor/watch it from space.

Real deal. iPhones are a wealth of intelligence, trojan horse of sorts for personal info. Even if the bad guys know better not to use them, it gives Uncle Sam the ability to cross everyone else off the list. Got a voice encrypted phone? You must have something to hide.

Surely Uncle Sam already had the iPhone cracked before junior discovered it, Apple having to supply them with one before release, it was perhaps other governments who were doing the bidding.

Kid should have taken them up on their offer.

</tinfoil hat mode>

[aaronsullivan]

So... Appleinsider is now an official endorser of jailbreaking iPhones? This seems like an ad or a tribute, not an informational article. Not even a mention of any possible downsides, just "this guy is soooo cool and hip and awesome for jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones and talking trash!"

I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site.

[adisor19]

Originally Posted by aaronsullivan

So... Appleinsider is now an official endorser of jailbreaking iPhones? This seems like an ad or a tribute, not an informational article. Not even a mention of any possible downsides, just "this guy is soooo cool and hip and awesome for jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones and talking trash!"

I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site.

Oh RLy ?! And what downsides might those be ?

Adi

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by aaronsullivan

So... Appleinsider is now an official endorser of jailbreaking iPhones? This seems like an ad or a tribute, not an informational article. Not even a mention of any possible downsides, just "this guy is soooo cool and hip and awesome for jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones and talking trash!"

I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site.

What? This is legitimate news, and I'd be more likely to criticise AI for not reporting other jailbreaks like ultrasn0w. It's not illegal to jailbreak, but that's lost on dumb people who are afraid even to question the real propaganda coming from corporates like Apple and who accept the mindless restrictions they place on your hardware for their own profit.

You're a tool of the corporate machine, or maybe just a tool.

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by MacTripper

The kid thought they were fake, the governments doing the bidding didn't think so.



<start tinfoil hat mode>

I know, from certain Electronic Warfare training, that the US government takes great pains to purchase and exploit every piece of hardware available. If it uses electricity, it has a electronic signature and they record that so they can monitor/watch it from space.

Real deal. iPhones are a wealth of intelligence, trojan horse of sorts for personal info. Even if the bad guys know better not to use them, it gives Uncle Sam the ability to cross everyone else off the list. Got a voice encrypted phone? You must have something to hide.

Surely Uncle Sam already had the iPhone cracked before junior discovered it, Apple having to supply them with one before release, it was perhaps other governments who were doing the bidding.

Kid should have taken them up on their offer.

</tinfoil hat mode>

You're right. I need to find out how to encrypt my thoughts, because US agencies are scanning it using satellites and changing information they don't like. For instance, I lost my keys this morning after having dreams about men in dark suits bent over keyboards and screens. There can be only one explanation: the CIA is controlling my thoughts.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by adisor19

Oh RLy ?! And what downsides might those be ?

Adi

Completely borking your iPhone and then telling Apple about how you did it.

[success]

Originally Posted by adisor19

Oh RLy ?! And what downsides might those be ?

Adi

Exactly and....any 19 yo kid/programmer who even knows what the reference to Purple Rain is has got to be a cool kid.

Big ups kid.

[AppleEater]

Guys....of course this is legitimate news....! Those of us who own Apple shares have to give a damn about this news item and how it affects the ease with which the iPhone-iPod market can use apps. Besides this kid should be given the keys to the Apple R & D department and be done with it ! If George Hotz is not on Steve Jobs' luncheon list than Cuoertino is asleep or just plain arrogant. George Hotz is the poster child for the depth of innovation that is contained in the US and has to be pounced upon to keep the US as future innovators.

[AppleEater]

(( By the way - in the interests of transparency: I have no connection to or relation with George Hotz ))

[Ireland]

PurpleRa1n

He's satirizing the name ultrasn0w, with use of a digit as the second to last character. I get it!

[jeffharris]

Originally Posted by aaronsullivan

I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site.

The kid certainly has some programming chops.
This is his résumé.
He's looking for a high 6 or 7 figure salary job.
Why waste 4 years boozing it up in college when you can start raking it in NOW?

AI is a pretty solid site. If you want embarrassing, check out MacDailyNews.com. The right-wing loonies crawl out of the virtual woodwork and use nearly every article to bash Obama and spread fear of some fantasy left-wing oppression just over the horizon. It might be funny if it weren't so perversely ignorant and pathetic.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

The kid certainly has some programming chops.
This is his résumé.
He's looking for a high 6 or 7 figure salary job.
Why waste 4 years boozing it up in college when you can start raking it in NOW?

AI is a pretty solid site. If you want embarrassing, check out MacDailyNews.com. The right-wing loonies crawl out of the virtual woodwork and use nearly every article to bash Obama and spread fear of some fantasy left-wing oppression just over the horizon. It might be funny if it weren't so perversely ignorant and pathetic.

If you've been coding/hacking since you were 10, this is how it goes.

And MDN is a lot of fun when it comes to their MS/PC bashing. It does draw an interesting crowd, though.

[success]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

The right-wing loonies crawl out of the virtual woodwork and use nearly every article to bash Obama and spread fear of some fantasy left-wing oppression just over the horizon. It might be funny if it weren't so perversely ignorant and pathetic.

I take it you think 911 was carried out by brown men with beards.

[r u serious]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

AI is a pretty solid site. If you want embarrassing, check out MacDailyNews.com. The right-wing loonies crawl out of the virtual woodwork and use nearly every article to bash Obama and spread fear of some fantasy left-wing oppression just over the horizon. It might be funny if it weren't so perversely ignorant and pathetic.

Thanks, now I know where to go to get real news.

[Virgil-TB2]

This kid is obviously a genius (IQ-wise), for being able to do what he does, but Jeez ... what a complete idiot he is at the same time.

He seems to have no idea at all about what he's doing, what the consequences are, what Apple is doing etc. It's the classic example of an intellectual giant who has absolutely no clue about the social side of things or life in general.

[success]

Originally Posted by r u serious

Thanks, now I know where to go to get real news.

2 / nil LOL

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

He seems to have no idea at all about what he's doing, what the consequences are, what Apple is doing etc. It's the classic example of an intellectual giant who has absolutely no clue about the social side of things or life in general.

Yes because creating self-powered retail shipping boxes with digital consumer whore media advertising is real life.


.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

This kid is obviously a genius (IQ-wise), for being able to do what he does, but Jeez ... what a complete idiot he is at the same time.

He seems to have no idea at all about what he's doing, what the consequences are, what Apple is doing etc. It's the classic example of an intellectual giant who has absolutely no clue about the social side of things or life in general.

He's a kid who's high on his sense of power.

No doubt he's talented. And potentially quite dangerous, in part to himself.

Good for him, though, to have this level of skill. It's a whole other story when it comes to how and to what purposes he will use it.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by merdhead

... It's not illegal to jailbreak, ....

It's not illegal, but it is immoral in that you are lying, breaking contracts, etc.

I know no one really gives a sh*t nowadays about that stuff, but it would be nice once in a while if it was mentioned that this is a grey area in terms of right and wrong and not just approach the subject from a functional point of view.

For example, it's not illegal to kill insects. It's also not illegal to publish an article describing in great detail the plans for some kind of insect vivisection/torture device. But to not mention that this might be considered morally bankrupt at least in some circles, and then further to hide behind the fact that you are just publishing a functional description of a thing, is a bit of a cheat IMO.

I find it humorous how Americans are all so Christian, but morality seems to never be mentioned whereas an atheist like me has to bring it up all the time.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by success

... Yes because creating self-powered retail shipping boxes with digital consumer whore media advertising is real life. ...

Not a sentence.

[adisor19]

Originally Posted by aaronsullivan

So... Appleinsider is now an official endorser of jailbreaking iPhones? This seems like an ad or a tribute, not an informational article. Not even a mention of any possible downsides, just "this guy is soooo cool and hip and awesome for jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones and talking trash!"

I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site.

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

Completely borking your iPhone and then telling Apple about how you did it.

What are you smoking ? You can unbrick your iPhone at ANY TIME by using DFU mode and restoring it with 3.0 firmware. And if you are actually DUMB enough to brick it and bring it to Apple in that state, i hope the Apple genius will tell you in your face the warranty is off.

Adi

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by adisor19

What are you smoking ? You can unbrick your iPhone at ANY TIME by using DFU mode and restoring it with 3.0 firmware. And if you are actually DUMB enough to brick it and bring it to Apple in that state, i hope the Apple genius will tell you in your face the warranty is off.

Adi

ANYTHING that potentially voids the warranty on any device is a potential problem for both the user and Apple.

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

It's not illegal, but it is immoral in that you are lying, breaking contracts, etc.

I know no one really gives a sh*t nowadays about that stuff, but it would be nice once in a while if it was mentioned that this is a grey area in terms of right and wrong and not just approach the subject from a functional point of view.

For example, it's not illegal to kill insects. It's also not illegal to publish an article describing in great detail the plans for some kind of insect vivisection/torture device. But to not mention that this might be considered morally bankrupt at least in some circles, and then further to hide behind the fact that you are just publishing a functional description of a thing, is a bit of a cheat IMO.

I find it humorous how Americans are all so Christian, but morality seems to never be mentioned whereas an atheist like me has to bring it up all the time.

Your reply is pretty incoherent, but I understand the first line. How is it immoral to use what your paid for as you wish? Is it your property or Apple's. I didn't lie to Apple when I bought my hardware, I just didn't agree to their contract, which is not enforceable. Is Apple lying when they tell you that you are bound to an agreement when you're not?

By reading this posting you have agreed to give me all your money. So pay up! It's immoral not to!

[technohermit]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

This kid is obviously a genius (IQ-wise), for being able to do what he does, but Jeez ... what a complete idiot he is at the same time.

He seems to have no idea at all about what he's doing, what the consequences are, what Apple is doing etc. It's the classic example of an intellectual giant who has absolutely no clue about the social side of things or life in general.

He's 19. He's not even allowed to legally drink yet, because 19 year olds are dumb and unable to control themselves socially.

Seriously though, there are teams of people working on exactly the same thing, and this kid knows what's up. It's the programming version of a bitch slap, and he's a lil' bit egotistical. Big deal. 'Grats, kid, I hope someone hires you for your potential.

[Magic_Al]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

It's not illegal, but it is immoral in that you are lying, breaking contracts, etc.

I know no one really gives a sh*t nowadays about that stuff, but it would be nice once in a while if it was mentioned that this is a grey area in terms of right and wrong and not just approach the subject from a functional point of view.

For example, it's not illegal to kill insects. It's also not illegal to publish an article describing in great detail the plans for some kind of insect vivisection/torture device. But to not mention that this might be considered morally bankrupt at least in some circles, and then further to hide behind the fact that you are just publishing a functional description of a thing, is a bit of a cheat IMO.

I find it humorous how Americans are all so Christian, but morality seems to never be mentioned whereas an atheist like me has to bring it up all the time.

Oh, please. OK, I'll bite. It's not wrong. Especially if one bought an iPhone second-hand. I'm curious how an atheist would suppose that an individual insect whose brain lacks a neocortex would perceive being tortured any more than my iPhone feels betrayed when it's unlocked and jailbroken.

[dangermouse]

I wish these people would get together and produce a device to compete directly with the products they hack. Instead of parasites who pull apart other peoples efforts they could actually make something the way it 'should' be. Then the market can decide which is better.

Why is it they are so totally able to get past anything placed in their path and laugh at the idea they couldn't, and yet they are utterly unable to get together and produce something better from scratch?

Generally, I'd say:
If you think it should be free, make it and give it away.
If you think you could do better, please, have a go and I wish you luck.
If you want more choice, go make something with choices and leave the rest of us to ours.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by dangermouse

I wish these people would get together and produce a device to compete directly with the products they hack. Instead of parasites who pull apart other peoples efforts they could actually make something the way it 'should' be. Then the market can decide which is better.

Why is it they are so totally able to get past anything placed in their path and laugh at the idea they couldn't, and yet they are utterly unable to get together and produce something better from scratch?

Generally, I'd say:
If you think it should be free, make it and give it away.
If you think you could do better, please, have a go and I wish you luck.
If you want more choice, go make something with choices and leave the rest of us to ours.

It takes a different skill-set and a different understanding of the effective marriage between the aesthetic and the functional.

For some reason I wouldn't trust these young hackers to make such a device at this point in their lives.

And the device you're asking them to make has already been made. The iPhone. We've reached the "ideal" for our times. Same way that the Mac is the "ideal" in its category for our times. Now all that remains is to improve on them or wait until a "killer" product comes along that approaches the whole paradigm of handheld-computer from an entirely different direction. Don't hold your breath for that one, though.

[dangermouse]

Originally Posted by Magic_Al

Oh, please. OK, I'll bite. It's not wrong. Especially if one bought an iPhone second-hand. I'm curious how an atheist would suppose that an individual insect whose brain lacks a neocortex would perceive being tortured any more than my iPhone feels betrayed when it's unlocked and jailbroken.

Ridiculous. Attack an insect and it'll react and attempt to survive rather more than your iPhone. We don't how this stuff works in humans, so the arbitrary decision that 'lower' life forms don't have it is just dumb even if you do know words like 'neocortex'.

It is immoral to torture anything.

[success]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

Not a sentence.

If a tree falls does anyone care?

[dangermouse]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

It takes a different skill-set and a different understanding of the effective marriage between the aesthetic and the functional.

For some reason I wouldn't trust these young hackers to make such a device at this point in their lives.

And the device you're asking them to make has already been made. The iPhone. We've reached the "ideal" for our times. Same way that the Mac is the "ideal" in its category for our times. Now all that remains is to improve on them or wait until a "killer" product comes along that approaches the whole paradigm of handheld-computer from an entirely different direction. Don't hold your breath for that one, though.

I agree with all you say. I just think that being unable to do a thing should leave them with respect for those that can.

I also wouldn't trust these hackers to hack my device. They enable it to do one thing, who knows what else they enable it to do?

[grebo]

Why purplera1n? I would think chocol4t3ra1n is more 'of the times'.

[OC4Theo]

If you want to screw up your iPhone, go ahead and get on this bandwagon. Just remember that practically voids your warranty. And Apple can lock you out of iTunes anytime. Beware of these quacks.

Definitely, not for me.

[solipsism]

What is with these comments about Obama, 911, terrorists, insects, vivisections and atheists? It’s a fricken clever exploit!

Originally Posted by OC4Theo

Not For Me…
If you want to screw up your iPhone, go ahead and get on this bandwagon. Just remember that practically voids your warranty. And Apple can lock you out of iTunes anytime. Beware of these quacks.

Definitely, not for me.

Not for you, and that is fine, you aren’t required to do the jailbreak or even read about it, but there is a certain group of people that like to experiment and like to get features that aren’t sanctioned by Apple. These intrepid users are running background apps and other things that Apple isn’t (and shouldn’t) support support at that time.

It’s not wrong and Apple can’t do a damn thing to your iTunes. I’ve never heard of a phone actually bricking from being unlocked or jailbroken; you enter DFU and restore at worst.

This does void the warranty since it’s not officially supported, but if you do have a HW problem you merely have to restore to factory settings before getting repairs. This kid is amazing in his age, speed and dedication to this level of coding, and like the OSx86 project there is nothing immoral about hacking your own devices.

On top of that you refer to them as “quacks” because they have done a simple jailbreak? I am not sure you understand what was accomplished here.

[Quadra 610]

Purplera1n.

Prince FTW.

[alectheking]

Purplera1n installed freeze in about 15 secs on my 3GS. Now its downloading cydia and all seems to be well. time will tell.

Okay well cydia is installed and working! My advice so far would be not to interrupt the down load and dont let the phone go into sleep. It messed me up a couple times but now is working great.

[8CoreWhore]

Originally Posted by aaronsullivan

So... Appleinsider is now an official endorser of jailbreaking iPhones? This seems like an ad or a tribute, not an informational article. Not even a mention of any possible downsides, just "this guy is soooo cool and hip and awesome for jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones and talking trash!"

I'm not usually that critical of this site, but this seems pretty irresponsible. I guess this is just a propaganda site now, anyway. I do like the rumors, but its getting embarrassing to hang out at this site.

Reporting and endorsing is two different things. Besides, it's no more illegal or unethical than modding your Jeep with a 3" lift. Aaron. let me guess, you were afraid to, um, "kiss" a girl before you got married.

[alectheking]

Winterboard isn't working on my 3GS. It crashes springboard and starts phone in Safe Mode. Trying to remove it now, hope they update it soon!

[quinney]

This guy thinks jailbreaking makes the iPhone less secure:

http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipod-itune...S&NewsID=26489

[8CoreWhore]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

This kid is obviously a genius (IQ-wise), for being able to do what he does, but Jeez ... what a complete idiot he is at the same time.

He seems to have no idea at all about what he's doing, what the consequences are, what Apple is doing etc. It's the classic example of an intellectual giant who has absolutely no clue about the social side of things or life in general.

You're being silly.What consequences?

[auxio]

Originally Posted by dangermouse

I wish these people would get together and produce a device to compete directly with the products they hack. Instead of parasites who pull apart other peoples efforts they could actually make something the way it 'should' be. Then the market can decide which is better.

Why is it they are so totally able to get past anything placed in their path and laugh at the idea they couldn't, and yet they are utterly unable to get together and produce something better from scratch?

Generally, I'd say:
If you think it should be free, make it and give it away.
If you think you could do better, please, have a go and I wish you luck.
If you want more choice, go make something with choices and leave the rest of us to ours.

Because it would take the creation of a new phone _and_ a new cellular network to change anything. And unless you're a multi-billionaire, or have a network of deep-pocketed investors worldwide, that isn't going to happen. Even if you do have a large group of people who are very good with hardware/software.

Just because you have the ability to create a fully unlocked phone doesn't mean you wouldn't have to get into bed with the cellular service providers in order to have someone to actually provide service for it. And right now the business model for cellular service providers is built upon ensuring long term contract lock-ins, exorbitant plan rates, and controls over what you can/can't do with your phone so they don't cannibalize their other cash cows (e.g. tethering). Investors in those service providers would pull their money out quickly if anything changed that status quo. Hence we're all locked in for the timebeing...

So right now, this is the best way to thwart the controls that the cellular industry have on things -- take an existing phone and hack it to be the device you really want: no contract lock-in/choice of service plan, usage of any applications, etc.

The biggest hypocrisy of this entire discussion is that I see people arguing on this board all the time against government regulation on corporations (EU or Obama anyone?) and preaching free-market capitalism. Yet when it comes to stories about people attempting to get that same type of freedom in their personal lives (often at the expense of profitability or market controls), then their argument suddenly reverses.

Why don't those people just come right out and say that they only support freedom when it's related to their own personal gain (i.e. the shares they hold and/or the companies they work for)?