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State of jailbreak: March 2016 [Video]

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a new jailbreak release hit the scene publicly. Sure, we’ve seen teased images of jailbreaks from some well-known hackers within the community, but the last publicly available jailbreak tool was shared back in October 2015. Since then, iOS has been updated several times, and Apple has closed the signing window for iOS 9.0.2, the last firmware susceptible to a publicly released jailbreak tool.

Even though it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a jailbreak, that doesn’t necessarily mean things have slowed down on the community side of fence. In fact, many new jailbreak tweaks continue to land on Cydia every single month. We also now have tools like Extensify that allow us to tweak some of our favorite App Store apps on non-jailbroken iPhones. Yes, jailbreaking has hit a bit of a lull, but developers and community enthusiasts continue to contribute on a regular basis.

Each month, I’ll post a status update regarding jailbreaking and its current state. Regardless of whether or not a new jailbreak appears to be on the horizon, there’s still plenty to talk about. In fact, in the video down below, I briefly showcase 15 recently released jailbreak tweaks. These releases, and others like it, prove that a sense of excitement still permeates the community.

As mentioned, even if you don’t currently own a jailbroken device, you can still tweak some of your favorite apps by means of the recently released Extensify. Although it’s still in “soft launch” mode, you can head over to Extensify’s website to learn how to sign up. But before you do that, be sure to read our full Extensify walkthough, which showcases how you can tweak App Store apps like Snapchat using just a stock iPhone.

Extensify giveaway

And here’s a little bonus, we’re giving away 10 promo codes for a free three-month Extensify subscription. If you want to get in on the action early, then head over to our YouTube channel, subscribe, and leave a comment on this video that includes your Twitter handle. On Friday, March 4th, I’ll randomly select 10 winners and I’ll update this post with those who’ve won.

Recently released tweaks

Okay, now let’s have a look at 15 recently released tweaks that you should consider. Of course, this is assuming that you have access to a jailbroken iOS device. Many of these tweaks are paid tweaks, but some of them are free as well. Have a look at the video, and check out the full list of tweaks below for pricing details.

Tweaks featured in the video are as follows:

  • Zentrum – $1.99
  • Treadmill – Free
  • Gravitation – $1.99
  • TimeAlarm – $1.00
  • SpringInvaders – $0.99
  • Flame – Free
  • TextSearchPro – $0.99
  • Snakebite – $0.99
  • ListLauncher9 – $2.99
  • Anisette – $0.99
  • PressUnlock – Free
  • Ensemble – Free
  • ClassicShutterAnimation – Free
  • EasyClear – $1.49
  • Seeker – $2.99

There are other tweaks currently in development, and we plan on covering many of them in future posts. In the meantime, those of you who are still waiting are probably wondering when a new jailbreak will be released. The truth of the matter is that very few people know if and when a jailbreak may be released. A few well-known members of the jailbreak community, most notably Luca Todesco, are said to have jailbreaks, but nothing has surfaced as far as public release plans go.

Keep in mind that as soon as any news worth reporting surfaces about a potential jailbreak, we will report it. Until then, enjoy awesome tools like Extensify, which don’t outright replace a true jailbreak, but can make the wait easier to endure.

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Comments

  1. srgmac - 9 years ago

    That sidebar tweak is great! Thanks for this.

  2. cdm283813 - 9 years ago

    When Apple start placing E-fuses in these phones because it values privacy more than a Jailbreak don’t say I didn’t warn you.

    Just forget about Jailbreaking. It’s dead. Plus I came from Samsung phones to Apple for a reason; fast updates.

    • Jeff Benjamin - 9 years ago

      It’s definitely not as prominent as it once was, but to say it’s “dead” is very overstated. If there’s not a jailbreak for consecutive years, then we can agree that it’s dead. But there is still a thriving community, as demonstrated by the amount of releases you see.

    • Hadrian McQuaig - 9 years ago

      If the FBI has it’s way and Apple is forced to compromise security, I bet Jailbreaking will become way more popular. I bet Apple will make subtle changes that will even make easier.

  3. Dean Cade - 9 years ago

    It hard to believe 5Mac is supporting jail breaking iPhones. What’s up with this?

    I hope all these iPhones go up in smoke and never work again. Apple is trying to give us all hi performance security and some tools out their want to jail break there iPhones.

    • Adam Spadam - 9 years ago

      Without jailbreak you wouldn’t have half of things you have currently on iOS and Apple should stop fighting with it, it’s my phone I should be able to do what I want with it

  4. rahhbriley - 9 years ago

    Hell yes! Very excited for this series.

    Please ignore the ignorant ass hats that don’t understand JB’ing.

    I’m a staunch defender of privacy and copyright, neither fallacy applies to Jailbreaking unless you’re also a d*ck of a human. Shitty people do shitty things, it’s that simple.

  5. Justin Marshall - 9 years ago

    I think the amount of traffic 9to5 is going to receive from people looking for jailbreaking info is going to outweigh the repercussions of not getting invited to Apple events. There is a reason they hired Jeff away from iDownloadBlog, for stories and videos like this. Thanks for keeping the jailbreaking discussion alive Jeff and 9to5!

  6. joannbendzsas - 9 years ago

    Jeff beings jail breaking to 9to5 nice!

  7. I really wish jailbreakers focused on releasing tools after all the important bug fixes have come out. 8.0.x and 9.0.x were barely usable in my experience.

Author

Avatar for Jeff Benjamin Jeff Benjamin

Jeff is the head of video content production for 9to5. He initially joined 9to5Mac in 2016, producing videos, walkthroughs, how-tos, written tutorials, and reviews. He takes pride in explaining things simply, clearly, and concisely. Jeff’s videos have been watched hundreds of millions of times by people seeking to learn more about today’s tech. Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube to catch Jeff’s latest videos.


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