First iOS 11.1.1 Jailbreak Demonstrated on an iPhone X
Even though iOS 11.1.1 just released yesterday, an intrepid developer has already demonstrated a functional jailbreak of the operating system on an iPhone X. This might be wonderful news for those who love being able to jailbreak their devices but still want the latest and greatest. It almost seems too good to be true, but the mere existence of an iOS 11.1.1 jailbreak doesn’t mean it’s coming to the people soon.
A Public iOS 11.1.1 Jailbreak Demonstration
Liang Chen, of KeenLab, demonstrated executing the jailbreak code during the recent POC2017 event in Seoul, South Korea. For those unaware, jailbreaking an iOS device removes many of Apple’s limitations on what apps can be installed and what software is allowed to do on the iPhone or iPad.
Chen’s demonstration only showed that it’s possible to jailbreak the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system. There was no discussion of the exploits or vulnerabilities used to create the iOS 11.1.1 jailbreak. Nor has the code used to “pwn” the device been released for the public to use and abuse, but KeenLab seems to be thinking about doing so.
The Most Likely Scenario
This isn’t the first time KeenLabs has developed a jailbreak for iOS. In fact, the firm has previously demonstrated jailbreaks for both iOS 11 betas and iOS 10.3.2. The company never released the necessary exploit code to the public, but it seems the company might surprise us this time around.
What KeenLabs might have in mind, given its status as a relatively well-known security company, is to sell the exploits and vulnerabilities to other companies. It may even sell the intellectual property directly to Apple, which runs a quite financially lucrative Bug Bounty Program. However, the firm does have a web page that indicates folks should check back periodically for a public release of the jailbreak code.
Still a Promising Development
Given the recent history of jailbreaks, this is quite promising. Recent devices, like the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, have been quite resistant to jailbreaking. We’ve yet to see an iOS 11 jailbreak for the iPhone 7. Even the last few iOS 10.X public jailbreaks have had issues on the newer hardware.
Jailbreakers can find plenty of satisfaction and hope in the knowledge that the iPhone X is susceptible to being opened up to more freedom. While this particular jailbreak may not ever be released to the public, its demonstration will quite probably spur others in the development community to dive in and come up with something that will see the public light of day.
Special thanks to reader George for bringing this to our attention.
