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iOS

Corellium supports a wide range of iOS devices, namely iPhones and iPads, which may be jailbroken or non-jailbroken. Our iOS devices are supported by a range of tools to facilitate security research and testing not possible with physical devices or emulators.

What is Jailbreaking?​

On iOS, a jailbreak is typically a third-party program that uses a string of vulnerabilities to achieve root access. But because Corellium controls the whole software stack, we don't need to use vulnerabilities to gain root access: we can simply build root access in.

This means you get reliable access to untethered jailbroken environments across all models and versions, typically within days of release, without the need to use tools that withhold vulnerabilities from the vendor.

For convenience, all our jailbroken devices come pre-installed with Cydia, a third-party app store, to enable researchers to instrument and inspect code on the device in ways that aren't possible in a non-jailbroken environment.

Jailbroken environments are essential for security-related work, both OS level and app level. It enables the researcher to instrument and inspect code on the device in ways that aren't possible in a non-jailbroken environment.

Because 3rd-party jailbreaks rely on vulnerabilities, they typically aren't immediately available - it may take months before one is released. They are also often unreliable and tedious, and may have to be reapplied every time the phone starts. Conversely, Corellium's jailbreaks are both instant and seamless.

Jailbroken vs Non-Jailbroken​

Jailbroken devices are useful for testing applications that require root access, or for testing applications that are designed to detect jailbroken devices. Non-jailbroken devices are useful for testing applications that are designed to detect non-jailbroken devices, or for standard QA testing.

Jailbroken Corellium devices include the following features:

  • Filesystem read-write support
  • Relaxed Apple Mobile File Integrity, sandbox, and code-sign mitigations
  • Bootstrap with various console utilities
  • Substitute (tweaks) support
  • SSH server support
  • FRIDA support
  • Cydia support

On Corellium, non-jailbroken devices may be created without the corelliumd agent, which you can learn more about here.

Limitations​

Due to a lack of GPU (Metal) support, certain applications are not able to launch. This includes the native Maps, Watch, and Find My Friends apps. In addition, this will cause certain elements of the UI to render improperly. For example, components of the Notes and Reminders apps will not appear, and the background of the multi-tasking view may go blank.

Corellium also does not support logging into an iCloud account or downloading apps from the App Store.

The following peripherals are not currently supported for iOS:

  • Cellular (calls, text messages)
  • NFC
  • Bluetooth

EOL​

Effective Immediately : May 22, 2025

End-of-Life (EOL) & End-of-Support for Select Apple Devices & iOS Versions

Based on customer feedback from the Corellium 7.3 release, we've decided to modify our end-of-life and end-of-support policies slightly. Please see below for the changes.

  • Cloud Customers:

    • iOS 10–14: These versions have been moved to End-of-Support (EOS). They are no longer actively supported but remain available on all compatible devices. These iOS versions will no longer be tested by our QA department and will not receive enhancements with new features.

    • iPhone 6 and 6 Plus: These models continue to be at EOL due to the deprecation of iOS 10-14.

  • Onsite Customers:

    • iOS 10–14: These versions have entered End-of-Support (EOS). Future software updates will no longer support these operating systems by default, though devices can still be manually re-included with assistance from our support team.

    • iPhone 6 and 6 Plus: Reaching EOS, these models will not appear in the IPSW Loader by default in future updates but can be included manually upon request.

This change ensures that our services remain secure, efficient, and aligned with current technology standards.

Continued Support & Recommendations​

Supported Devices

  • iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and SE: These devices will continue to receive full support as they are compatible with iOS 15. Users can rely on these models without service disruptions.

    • Ongoing updates and support ensure optimal performance and security for these models.

Recommendations

  • Upgrade: Consider updating your devices or operating systems to access the latest features, improved performance, and extended support.

  • Transition Plan: Develop a strategy to transition away from EOL or EOS devices to avoid service disruptions.

  • Contact Support: For onsite re-inclusion requests related to EOS, reach out to our customer support team for assistance.