The jailbreak community was eagerly waiting for Apple to release the iOS 9.3 software update to the public, as we were expecting the jailbreak to be released, which has been elusive ever since Apple patched the vulnerabilities in iOS 9.1 that were used in Pangu iOS 9 – iOS 9.0.2 Jailbreak tool.
So one of the most frequently asked question since the iOS 9.3 and iOS 9.3.1 release has been: Is it possible to jailbreak iOS 9.3? So we thought of doing a quick recap of everything we know so far about the jailbreak.
The short answer to the above question is “No”.
Why can’t I Jailbreak iOS 9.3.1?
Back in October, Pangu Team, a well-known group of hackers, released a new version of their popular Pangu Jailbreak tool to jailbreak iOS 9 – iOS 9.0.2.
Apple responded quickly to kill the Pangu Jailbreak by releasing iOS 9.1, which patched several vulnerabilities used by the jailbreak tool. It continued patching some more exploits in iOS 9.2 and iOS 9.2.1 used in the Pangu Jailbreak. But Pangu team responded recently, by releasing a new version of their Pangu Jailbreak tool to jailbreak iOS 9.1. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with iOS 9.2, iOS 9.2.1, iOS 9.3 or iOS 9.3.1.
Current Jailbreak Status
iOS 9.1 is the latest iOS version that can be jailbroken. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to jailbreak iOS 9.1 if you need help:
You can’t downgrade to iOS 9.1 or lower as Apple has stopped signing the firmware file. Apple has used this strategy to keep jailbreakers at bay. It not only releases new software updates that fixes the vulnerabilities used by the jailbreak tools, it also stops signing the older iOS firmware file, which prevents users from downgrading back to the older iOS version that can be jailbroken.
iOS 9.3.1 Jailbreak Status
The reason why everyone has been so hopeful about an iOS 9.3 jailbreak is that hackers have confirmed that they have successfully jailbroken almost every beta version of iOS 9.3, including the final beta version.
Luca Todesco aka qwertyoruiop, the hacker who had successful demoed the iOS 9.3 jailbreak, has said that he has no plans of releasing a jailbreak. But it is good to know that iOS 9.3 can be jailbroken and hopefully, Pangu or the TaiG jailbreak teams can figure out how to jailbreak iOS 9.3 and release it to the public.
It has been a couple of weeks since Apple released iOS 9.3, and even followed it up with the release iOS 9.3.1, and we’re yet to get any news about the jailbreak for iOS 9.3 or iOS 9.3.1.
Jailbreak Community
We see a lot of resentment that the jailbreak hasn’t been released. People don’t seem to appreciate the fact that jailbreakers like the Pangu and the TaiG Team work hard to release the jailbreak for free. It is important to appreciate the work they do. This false sense of entitlement is one of the reasons the jailbreak community has lost talented hackers like GeoHot, pod2g of evad3rs team.
Some of the hackers have probably gone underground as they find it a lot more lucrative to sell the vulnerabilities to government agencies and security firms, for as much as $500,000. The Pangu team or the TaiG team are the best bet for getting a jailbreak. But please be patient, and don’t harass them by asking them about the jailbreak. They will release the jailbreak as soon as it is ready for the public. Let us not drive them away from the jailbreak scene as well.
Should I Upgrade to iOS 9.3.1?
One of the dilemma people have when Apple releases an iOS software update is whether or not, they should upgrade to it as the assumption is the jailbreak will be released for the latest version if at all it is released.
The golden rule of jailbreaking is to stay where you’re to increase your chances of jailbreaking your iOS device. Pangu team’s surprise release of the iOS 9.1 jailbreak is a further validation of that rule, so avoid upgrading to the latest update. It is also important to note that one of the reasons Apple releases iOS software updates is to patch security vulnerabilities, which may not be directly related to jailbreaking. In fact, even the PanGu team had recommended upgrading to iOS 9.2.1 for security concerns before releasing the jailbreak for iOS 9.1. So it is important to weigh the pros and cons of upgrading to the latest version. It may prevent you from jailbreaking your device, but upgrading to the latest version will ensure that your device is more secure.
Beware of Scams
Any site claiming to have a jailbreak for iOS 9.2 – iOS 9.3.1 is a scam, so stay clear from such scam sites. If there is a tool to jailbreak iOS 9.3.1 or lower, it will be available for free, and we’ll be the first to report it here.
If you’ve any other questions about jailbreaking, please check our FAQ page:
- iOS 9 – iOS 9.3.1 Jailbreak FAQ: Everything you need to know!
Update (May 7, 2016):
There haven’t been any further updates about iOS 9.3.1 jailbreak since we published this post.
Update (May 15, 2016):
Please beware that a fake iOS 9.3.1 jailbreak tool called 3K Jailbreak, that claims to be from 3K Assistant team, is doing the rounds. Please note that there is no jailbreak tool for iOS 9.3.1, so please stay away from such tools as they can also potentially install malware on your iOS device.
Update (July 24, 2016):
Pangu team has released Pangu jailbreak tool for iOS 9.3.3 – iOS 9.2 for 64-bit devices. Check out the iOS 9.3.3 jailbreak page for the latest update:
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