The team behind the "unc0ver" jailbreaking tool for iOS has released version 6.0.0 of its software, which can allegedly be used to jailbreak any device running iOS 11.0 through iOS 14.3 using a kernel vulnerability.
The unc0ver website describes how the tool has been extensively tested across a range of iOS devices running various software versions, including an iPhone 12 Pro Max running iOS 14.3. The unc0ver website says the tool utilizes "native system sandbox exceptions" to maintain security while accessing jailbreak files.
Prior to the tool's initial release, the only way to jailbreak devices up to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X was through "checkra1n," which is another jailbreaking tool made by the same security researcher responsible for the "checkm8" exploit.
Apple in January released iOS and iPadOS 14.4, which introduced security fixes for kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities that affected all iPhones and iPads running previous versions of iOS or iPadOS 14. According to a recent tweet from Pwn20wnd, an iOS hacker and unc0ver developer, the jailbreaking tool utilizes an exploit based on a kernel vulnerability patched in iOS 14.4 that offers "optimal exploit speed and stability."
iPhones that have been updated to iOS 14.4 are not compatible with the new unc0ver jailbreaking tool, and there is no way to downgrade to iOS 14.3.
Though iOS 14 has been out since last fall, Apple continues to add new features to its mobile software. The next update — iOS 14.5 — currently sits in beta form. Apple already seeded this beta to developers, giving them a strict timeline on implementing the new app tracking transparency requirements into their apps. A public beta of iOS 14.5 is out now, too.
Privacy transparency highlights the upcoming release, but we’ve found more iOS 14.5 features worth noting. Among these, Apple added a way to use Face ID to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask. This workaround uses the Apple Watch to biometrically authenticate you.
We expect lots of users will update to iOS 14.5 once it’s final. Apple recently shared that iOS 14 is installed on 80% of all active iPhones and on 86% of iPhones introduced in the last four years.
We’ve dug through the iOS 14.5 beta to find the most important additions, but this isn’t a final list. It’s also possible that Apple will continue to add or tweak features before the final iOS 14.5 release in a few weeks.
iOS 14.5 release date
You can now download iOS 14.5 as a public beta, which means that a formal release date should be coming soon. If you want to try the beta out, we would recommend that you do so on a secondary device. We expect the final version of iOS 14.5 to release sometime this month.
Unlock with Apple Watch with iOS 14.5
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
We all learned the shortcomings of Face ID when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Face masks befuddled the Face ID sensors, meaning that for the last year or so, we’ve had to manually unlock our iPhones. Thankfully, Apple has found a workaround, though it has one big caveat: you need an Apple Watch.
Unlock with Apple Watch is exactly what it sounds like. Using Apple’s wearable, you can bypass Face ID to unlock your iPhone. It requires that both devices be in very close proximity to each other, otherwise you will need to unlock the phone manually. The Apple Watch must also be unlocked for this to work.
Once you have iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, you can head into Settings under Face ID and passcode. Bear in mind that you cannot use Unlock with Apple Watch to authenticate Apple Pay or App Store purchases. These will still require your face or passcode.
App tracking transparency in iOS 14.5
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
iOS 14.5 adds new app tracking transparency policies, a major change Apple has been planning to roll out since it first announced iOS last summer. App developers, like Facebook, will need to ask your permission in order to access your advertising ID. That ID allows them to track you across apps and websites.
Some of these privacy features already exists in iOS 14, but 14.5 serves as the deadline for app developers to implement the new policy before the apps are removed from the App Store.
When everything is live, you’ll get a new pop-up asking if you want to let the app track you. Apple once again aims for pure simplicity. It’s a huge step forward for privacy and one we’re excited to see come to fruition.
Apple Maps crowdsourcing accidents (and speed traps) in iOS 14.5
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
In iOS 14.5, Apple Maps is set to copy a popular key feature from Waze. It will use real drivers to crowdsource road accidents, speed traps, and other traffic hazards, just like its main competitors can. There will be a dedicated button in Maps to report something, available both on the phone and in CarPlay — simple, but effective.
Setting your default music app in iOS 14.5
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
iOS 14 let you choose your own default browser and email apps, a long overdue change. Continuing with that momentum, Apple is releasing its grip a bit more by letting you choose your own default music streaming app.
When you ask Siri to play a song, it can open on whatever app you set, including Spotify. This means that you no longer have to specify which app you want the song to play in. Siri will just use whichever one you’ve set as default.
PS5 and Xbox Series X|S controller support in iOS 14.5
(Image credit: Future)
While both the PS5 and Xbox Series X remain in short supply, you can still get your hands on one of the new controllers easily enough. If you have one, either a PlayStation 5 DualSense or Xbox Series X|S controller, you'll be able to pair it with your iPhone in iOS 14.5.
Apple Fitness Plus AirPlay 2 support in iOS 14.5
(Image credit: Future)
iOS 14.5 enables AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness Plus, meaning that you can cast your workouts to any AirPlay 2-compatible display.
Be aware that Apple Watch metrics will not appear on the larger screen. You will need to view these data points on your iPhone or iPad.
Support for Dual-SIM 5G in iOS 14.5
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Dual-SIM iPhone users can use 5G globally on iOS 14.5 with the iPhone 12 series. Dual-SIM means that you can have two separate lines of service on one device. This is great for people who keep their work and personal lines separate, or for international travel.
When iOS 14.5 lands, both SIMs will have access to full 5G speeds.
iOS 14.5 outlook
There’s a lot more that we didn’t cover here, but this update will include plenty of tweaks and new additions. Apple plans to make this release a big one and we’re excited for it to hit our iPhones and iPads.
If you don't want to wait for the finished version of iOS 14.5, you can get the public beta right now, provided you sign up for Apple's beta program. It's easy — just head to the Apple beta page in a browser on the device you wish to install the beta on. From there, you enroll your iPhone in the program, using your Apple ID to sign in. Then, you follow the on-screen instructions for downloading a beta profile and installing it on your phone.
One usual word of caution — while the iOS 14.5 beta is fairly stable, it's still a beta, meaning that problems can crop up. If you rely heavily on your phone during the day, you may not want to subject it to the vagaries of beta software. If that's the case, hold out until the finished version of iOS 14.5 comes out.
The jailbreak community has been anxious for a while now, waiting for the next big release and now it has finally arrived. That's right, after teasing the jailbreak last week, the Unc0ver team has finally released a working iOS 14 to iOS 14.3 jailbreak with support for all iPhone models starting from the iPhone 6s to the iPhone 12 series. That's right, you can now finally jailbreak iPhone 12 using the latest Unc0ver jailbreak tool. See more details on the latest release below.
Unc0ver Jailbreak Tool Released for iPhone 6s to iPhone 12 Series Running iOS 14 to IOS 14.3 - Download Now
@Pwn20wnd has released Unc0ver 6.0 jailbreak to the public. Take note that this is a complete jailbreak with support for tweak injection via Substitute along with package management using Cydia. As mentioned earlier, the Unc0ver jailbreak tool can be used to jailbreak an iPhone running iOS 14 to iOS 14.3. More importantly, this is the first jailbreak released for iPhone 12 series. So if you have an iPhone 12 model, you can now jailbreak it using the new Unc0ver tool.
Unc0ver makes use of an implementation that resembles the cicuta_verosa exploit and was detailed not so long ago. In addition to this, CoolStar is also working on a jailbreak tool that will be oriented towards iOS 14 to iOS 14.3 jailbreak using the same cicuta_verosa exploit. Nonetheless, we're glad that a working jailbreak tool is now available for the iPhone 12 series - something that we have been waiting for for a while now.
This is the first working jailbreak for iPhone 12 series running iOS 14 to iOS 14.3. Users were still able to jailbreak their iPhones running iOS 14 to iPhone 14.3 before but it was limited to the iPhone X and older models. This restricted the newer models like iPhone XS, iPhone 11, and iPhone 12 series to enjoy the jailbreak. Take note that since this is the very first release of the jailbreak, the overall user experience might be a little buggy. You can expect random crashes but the experience will improve with upcoming updates to the platform,
The Unc0ver jailbreak is oriented towards iOS 14 to iOS 14.3 on all iPhone models up to iPhone 12. If your iPhone is running the latest iOS 14.4 build, there is no way you can downgrade to iOS 14.3. This is due to the fact that Apple has stopped signing iOS 14.3. Ultimately, it is now impossible to downgrade to the older version. While it is unfortunate for some, users who were resting on iOS 14.3 or lower are pleased. Possibly in the near future, the Unc0ver team will release an updated version of the tool with support for newer builds.
That's all there is to it, folks. Are you looking to jailbreak your iPhone 12 using the Unc0ver jailbreak tool? Also, which iOS build are you running? Let us know in the comments section below.
iOS 14 will get some new features in this month's release.
James Martin/CNET
iOS 14 was first released in September 2020, ahead of the launch of the iPhone 12. New versions of Apple's mobile operating system have come out once a month since then, with new features and bug fixes. The latest version -- iOS 14.4 -- was released on Jan. 26.
iOS 14.5 is likely going to arrive later this month; the public beta version is available right now. The latest version of the OS will include new features that make it easier for you to unlock your phone while wearing a mask (so long as you also own an Apple Watch($169 at Amazon)), and that require apps to ask for user permission before tracking data and activity.
Now playing:Watch this: What's new in iOS 14.5?
5:18
Here's everything we know about iOS 14.5 so far, including when it will be generally available to download, and what new features you can expect.
The latest version of Apple's operating system, iOS 14.5, is now available as a public beta. That means you can download it, but it may contain some bugs, as Apple is still working on it before its final release. We don't recommend downloading any beta on the device you use regularly.
Apple doesn't publicly announce when it will release a new version of iOS, but we can follow some clues. Since the developer beta for iOS 14.5 became available on Feb. 1, and the public beta shortly after, and releases come out roughly once a month, we can expect to see the final version of iOS 14.5 sometime in February, or possibly March.
CNET Apple Report
Stay up-to-date on the latest news, reviews and advice on iPhones, iPads, Macs, services and software.
How can I download the iOS 14.5 public beta?
If you do want to download the iOS 14.5 public beta and try out some of the new features (again, we'd recommend doing so on a device you don't typically use, since there could be bugs), you first have to sign up for Apple's Beta Software Program. To do that, go to beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram, and click Sign Up. You'll have to enter your Apple ID and password, and agree to the terms and conditions. Tap iOS, and under Get Started, click Enroll your Apple device. From there you'll find more instructions on how to do so.
Once you're part of the program, you can go to Settings > Software Update, and when you see iOS 14.5 Public Beta, hit Download and Install.
Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET
How do I download iOS 14.5 when it's generally available?
When it's released, you should get a prompt telling you that iOS 14.5 is now available and asking if you'd like to download it. Or you can do the following:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General.
3. Tap Software Update.
Your device will connect to Apple's servers and prompt you to download and install the update. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. When your device reboots, it will be running iOS 14.5. (Check out our full instructions on preparing your phone and downloading iOS 14 here.)
Now playing:Watch this: iOS 14.5 beta reveals how to unlock an iPhone while wearing...
1:44
What new features will iOS 14.5 include?
The latest version of iOS is going to bring several useful new features, including:
Use Face ID on your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone -- even when wearing a mask
Apple Watch owners will be able to opt into a feature that lets you use Face ID to unlock your iPhone when your Watch is on and unlocked, even if your face is obscured by a mask. The Watch will provide haptic feedback letting you know your iPhone has been unlocked.
If you have an Apple Watch, iOS 14.5 will let you use it to more easily unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask.
Aleksandar Georgiev/Getty Images
Set a default music player of your choice
Apple Music might not have to be your default music player any longer. Instead, the first time you ask Siri to play something, it'll list all the music streaming services you have installed on your device. Simply choose which one you want to set as your default player, such as Spotify. The update was first spotted by Reddit users exploring iOS 14.5's beta versions and reported Monday by MacRumors.
More than 200 new emoji
iOS 14.5 will include 217 new emoji, including new skin-tone variations for popular emoji such as couples kissing. You'll also find new emoji like heart on fire, faces exhaling, faces in clouds and faces with spiral eyes. Changes have also been made to the syringe emoji, removing blood to make it more appropriate for depicting vaccines.
iOS 14.5 includes privacy changes that will require apps to ask for user permission before tracking data and activity. This builds on a change released in iOS 14.3, which lets you see what data apps collect before you hit download.
Dual-SIM 5G global support
iPhone 12 users will soon have dual SIM support globally, which means you can take advantage of the phone's physical SIM slot and digital eSIM to have two lines of service on the same phone. This support was previously only available in mainland China.
Siri updates
Siri will soon have the ability to call 911 for you, with a prompt of, "Hey, Siri, call emergency." You'll see a three-second countdown, giving you the option to cancel the request.
Console controller support
With the update, Apple is adding iOS and iPadOS support for PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers, so you can play games on your phone or tablet.
You'll also find some design changes to the Podcasts, News and Reminders apps.
The unc0ver jailbreak has been updated to v6.0.0 bringing support for all devices including the iPhone 12 running iOS 14.3.
unc0ver is a jailbreak, which means that you can have the freedom to do whatever you would like to do to your iOS device. Allowing you to change what you want and operate within your purview, unc0ver unlocks the true power of your iDevice.
What's New:
● Add support for iOS 12.4.9-12.5.1, 13.5.1-13.7 and 14.0-14.3
On Twitter, developer @Pwn20wnd revealed that system-wide tweak injection is fully working on A14 and that the team wrote their own exploit based on CVE-2021-1782 for unc0ver to achieve optimal exploit speed and stability.
A version of the "iPhone 13" that lacks a Lightning port could force changes to recovery processes, a report claims, with an "Internet Recovery" mode allowing for the reinstallation of iOS without needing to connect the iPhone to a Mac or PC.
Recovering an unresponsive iPhone usually requires it to be connected to another device, typically via the Lightning port on the base. If rumors of a port-less iPhone are true, the lack of a Lightning port or any other standard physical connection may make the device difficult to maintain.
To allow for a complete reinstallation of iOS on an unresponsive iPhone without a distinct physical connection, Apple is allegedly looking at ways to do so. Based on rumors fromAppleosophy, the main way to do this is by something tentatively called "Internet Recovery."
Apple's software teams are said to be examining three ways to make the iPhone enter a mode that will allow it to recover.
The first method involves a user putting the iPhone into a manual recovery mode, triggering the Internet Restore broadcast. This is picked up by nearby Macs or a PC with iTunes installed, which will bring up prompts to guide the user through the rest of the restoration.
The second way is for the device itself to enter the mode automatically, again bringing up the same prompts. A third apparently involves using Bluetooth as a "last resort" measure to broadcast the signal and for data transfers.
Apple is thought to be interested in using the first two methods for recovery options, and has apparently been testing the processes for a while. However, it is claimed the processes are currently too slow for public use, indicating more work is needed on the subject.
While wireless recovery options are the main focus of the effort, physical access still isn't being completely forgotten. A hardware team is apparently considering using pogo pads to initiate a physical connection, without requiring a standard port to be available.
Currently, it is suggested Apple could hide the pads at the back of the SIM card slot and use a custom SIM card tray cable to interface with them.
Hidden ports aren't new to Apple, such as the one in the back of the Apple TV as well as the Apple Watch. However, it is claimed the team working on the problem isn't allowed to make housing modifications, such as to shield the pads behind a door or panel, which could make development tougher.
Port-less iPhone rumors have circulated over the years, but have so far yet to be proven right. The relative lack of a track record for the outlet also makes it difficult to consider how genuine the rumor is at this time.
The "iPhone 13" is currently rumored to have an always-on display that could also run at 120Hz, a four-camera system on the back with LiDAR, a minimized notch, and the return of Touch ID.
After that, you can go bananas trying out different themes and perfecting the look and feel.
Read on and we'll show you how to customize the way your iPhone's home screen icons look, give them completely different names and change their size and color -- without rooting or jail-breaking your iPhone or running skins and launchers. Ready? Let's begin.
How to change the way your app icons look on iPhone
This app makes it easy to experiment with different looks on your iPhone.
Screenshot by Katie Conner/CNET
The new iOS 14 update finally lets you customize apps to your liking. Here's how.
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone (it's already preinstalled).
2. Tap the plus icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Add Action.
4. In the search bar, type Open app and select the Open App app.
5. Tap Choose and select the app you want to customize. For example, Facebook, Spotify or the Messages app.
6. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner. From here, give the shortcut a name and tap Add to Home Screen.
7. Where it says Home Screen Name and Icon, rename the shortcut to anything you'd like.
8. Next, go to the Safari app to find a new icon image. You can search for something like the Facebook icon aesthetic. When you find an image you like, save it to your photos.
9. Go back to the Shortcuts app and tap the current icon. Select Choose Photo and tap on the image you just saved. You can zoom in or out on the image. Tap Choose.
10. Tap Add.
Now you have customized apps on your phone. The original apps will remain on the phone, but you can store them in a folder.
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Change your iPhone home screen design using the Widgetsmith app
You no longer have to look at rows of apps on your iPhone anymore. Here's how to change up your home screen view using an app.
2. In the app, select the size of the widget you'd like to customize -- your options are small, medium and large.
3. Tap the widget to customize it. You can change the font and colors. Tap Save when you're finished.
4. Go to your home screen and hold and press down on an app. Tap Edit Home Screen.
5. Tap the plus icon in the top left corner and search for Widgetsmith. Tap the icon.
6. Select the widget size you'd like to add to your home screen and tap Add Widget.
7. You can change the widget by pressing down on the app and selecting Edit Widget. That's all! Now your home screen has different sized icons for a customized look.
Note that at this time, you can only customize the following apps: Weather (with a premium subscription), Calendar, World Time, Reminders, Health, Astronomy, Tides (with a premium subscription) and Photos.
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