Jailbreaking iPhones in 2025
Yes, older iPhones can still be jailbroken, and doing so can offer some unique benefits today. Here's a breakdown of the last jailbreakable iOS versions for iPhones starting from the iPhone 5, and the advantages of jailbreaking an older device.
Last Jailbreakable iOS Versions for Older iPhones
It's important to note that the jailbreaking landscape is constantly evolving. However, for older devices, the jailbreak options are generally more stable and well-documented.
iPhone 5 and 5c (32-bit devices): The last supported iOS version for these devices is iOS 10.3.4.1 Tools like "Socket" can be used to jailbreak these models.
iPhone 5s (64-bit device): The iPhone 5s can be jailbroken up to iOS 12.5.7 using tools like Chimera or checkra1n.
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus: These models can be jailbroken up to iOS 12.5.7 with tools like Chimera and checkra1n.
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus: These devices have broader jailbreak compatibility and can be jailbroken up to iOS 15.8 using palera1n.
iPhone SE (1st generation): Similar to the iPhone 6s, the first-generation iPhone SE can be jailbroken up to iOS 15.8 with palera1n.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: These models can also be jailbroken up to iOS 15.8 using the palera1n tool.
iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X: These devices, featuring the A11 chip, can be jailbroken up to iOS 16.7.2 with palera1n.
It's crucial to understand the different types of jailbreaks. Untethered jailbreaks, the most desirable, allow you to reboot your device freely without losing the jailbreak.4 Tethered jailbreaks require you to connect your device to a computer to re-jailbreak after every reboot. Semi-tethered and semi-untethered jailbreaks offer a middle ground. Most modern jailbreaks fall into the latter categories.
Benefits of Jailbreaking an Older iPhone
Jailbreaking an older iPhone can breathe new life into it and provide functionalities not available on stock iOS.5 Here are some of the key benefits:
Customization: This is one of the biggest draws of jailbreaking. You can change almost every aspect of the user interface, including themes, icons, fonts, and the lock screen. Tweaks from package managers like Cydia and Sileo allow for deep personalization that goes far beyond what's possible on a non-jailbroken iPhone.
Access to a Wider Range of Apps: Jailbreaking allows you to install apps from outside the official App Store. This opens up a world of applications that Apple might not approve, including emulators for retro gaming, system-level tweaks, and powerful file managers.
Enhanced Control and Functionality: You can add features that Apple doesn't offer by default. This includes things like a more advanced Control Center, better multitasking, and the ability to set default apps for different file types.
Improved System Tweaks: Jailbreaking gives you access to system-level modifications that can improve performance and battery life. You can do things like disable daemons (background processes) that you don't need, which can be particularly beneficial for older, slower devices.
Removal of Restrictions: Apple imposes certain limitations on iOS.14 Jailbreaking can remove these, allowing you to do things like freely transfer files between your device and a computer, and use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot without carrier restrictions.
Running Unsupported Apps: As iOS evolves, older apps are often removed from the App Store. A jailbroken device may allow you to sideload and run these legacy applications.
While the benefits are compelling, it's also important to be aware of the risks. Jailbreaking can void your warranty, introduce security vulnerabilities, and potentially lead to instability if not done correctly. Always back up your device before attempting to jailbreak and use reputable sources for jailbreaking tools and tweaks.
For a visual guide on jailbreaking older 32-bit devices, you can check out this helpful iOS 10.3.3/10.3.4 Jailbreak Tutorial. This video provides instructions on how to jailbreak 32-bit iOS devices running iOS 10.3.3 and 10.3.4.
