technology

It’s been quite the last few days and people are still asking about iPhone 4 unlock on higher basebands. Look what we have found while perusing MuscleNerd’s Twitter account, the iPhone Dev Team may be waiting for Verizon iPhone’s launch next Tuesday to push their unlock to iOS users.

hishamm126: @MuscleNerd Can we conclude that the i4 unlock is ready but it’s just waiting for the untethered JB?

MuscleNerd: @hishamm126 the Verizon rumor mill is much more relevant :)

This tweet was sent by MuscleNerd in a reply to someone asking him if he’s waiting for the untethered jailbreak to be released. iPhone hacker MuscleNerd answered him saying that the time of release is more relevant to the Verizon iPhone rumors leaked yesterday.

Don't raise your hopes up, but share us what do you think of MuscleNerd's tweet? Feel free to leave comments below.

Most of iPhone 4 users didn't update to iOS 4.2.1 as it updates baseband and make it not unlockable. So in case you got an iPhone 4 on older 01.59.00 baseband, we have been tipped off about a solution for that. The below steps will guide you to update iPhone 4 to iOS 4.2.1 while preserving the same older baseband 01.59.00 and unlock it.


STEP 1: Right click on Notepad from Start - Programs - Accessories, then choose Run as administrator from the contextual popup menu.

STEP 2: Once notepad opens, select Open from the File menu then navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ and open the hosts file as shown:

STEP 3: Now add 74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com to end of the file as shown in the screenshot below:

STEP 4: Now, you'll have to restore your iPhone 4 to iOS 4.2.1 by clicking on the iPhone icon on the left sidebar of iTunes then hold left “alt” button (“Shift” button on Windows) on the keyboard and click on “Restore” then release the alt button, Now Select the original iOS 4.2.1 firmware found here.

STEP 5: iTunes should pop-up with some error as error 1013, 1015 or some other error. This indicates that you have done it successfully, hit OK to continue.

STEP 6: Now you iPhone will stuck in Recovery Mode showing the well-known "Connect to iTunes" message. You have to run TinyUmbrella (Windows - Mac) or RecBoot 2.1 for Mac OS X to get out of recovery mode.

You'll now be able to jailbreak your iPhone 4 using Redsn0w 0.9.6 for tethered and Redsn0w 0.9.7 for untethered one then unlock it using Ultrasn0w carrier unlock. [Thanks @AppleBullet for hat tip, via @Ven000m]

Most of iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS users updated their baseband to iPad's one which is 06.15.00 to be able to unlock it. It's not possible to restore using stock firmware on iPad's baseband so you can downgrade to baseband 05.13.xx which is unlockable using ultrasn0w and you'll be able also to restore using stock firmware on this baseband.


This method is not official from the iPhone Dev Team. They are still working on an easy-method to downgrade 06.15.00 baseband to lower ones on both iPhone 3G / 3GS. This method works only on iPhone 3G bootloader 5.8. Follow the steps as mentioned on RedmondPie below:

Here’s what you will need:
- Jailbroken iPhone 3G
- Fuzzyband installed via Cydiaafc2add installed via Cydia
- i-FunBox (for Windows) or DiskAid (for Mac)
- Certificate to use with Fuzzyband.

And the step by step procedure is as follows:

STEP 1: Download the required certificate file ICE2-06.15.00.cert from here.

STEP 2: Install Fuzzyband from Cydia and start this app.

STEP 3: Connect your iPhone 3G with computer via USB cable.

STEP 4: Start i-FunBox and click File, then navigate to Applications/Fuzzyband.app, right-click and then select Copy from PC.

STEP 5: Select the ICE2-06.15.00.cert file you downloaded earlier and then copy it to this location:Applications/Fuzzyband.app.

STEP 6: Now simply disconnect your iPhone from your computer and start Fuzzyband app (which you previously installed using Cydia) on your iPhone.

STEP 7: In Fuzzyband, you will now see your current version of Baseband, (which should still be 06.15.00). But now you will have the option to downgrade it to version 05.13.xx.

Once you have downgraded, Go to Settings –> About, and scroll down to check your Baseband which should now read 05.13.xx (which is unlockable via Ultrasn0w). You can now also update or restore any firmware without iTunes throwing errors. 

So, got it? Fell free to leave us a comment with results !

iH8snow, the developer behind Sn0wbreeze, iREB, and f0recast has just announced that he is working on a new version of Sn0wbreeze that will offer baseband preservation mode. This feature was first implemented in TinyUmbrella which allows preserving iPhone 4 only baseband while upgrading to iOS 4.1 but this tool stopped couldn't preserve the baseband while upgrading to iOS 4.2.1.


Now with the new version of Sn0wbreeze by iH8sn0w, you may be able to preserve iPhone 4 / 3G / 3G while upgrading to iOS 4.2.1. Below is the first screenshot of the new version:
There's no ETAs yet, but iH8sn0w plans to roll out Sn0wbreeze 2.2 very soon. We'll of course post updates as they come!

On the other hand, Redsn0w 0.9.7b3 was released few hours ago to fix all native app crashes and bring untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1.

After MuscleNerd has declared about the new amazing Redsn0w jailbreak features, he has been asked about the downgrade for 6.15.00 baseband on iPhone 3GS and 3G after using ultrasn0w, he points that the work on the downgrade issue won't start only after the release of iPhone 4 baseband 2.10.04 unlock which expected to see the light in less than a month.

Fammbizz asking MuscleNerd: when is ur bb downgrade comin out for 6.15.00
MuscleNerd replying: TBH (to be honest), that won't be looked into until after i4 unlock

Many of users who unlock their devices using ultrasn0w 1.2 noted problems with their GPS, so we expect that downgrade will fix this bug, moreover, there is speculation about the possibility to downgrade the baseband to unlockable one which will be compatible with the old version of ultrasn0w. Stay tuned

I have just received a tip via Twitter informing us that Sherif Hashim, the well-known iPhone baseband hacker replied someone asking him (in Arabic) about if the unlock would be ready before 16th January. Hashim has confirmed that the unlock will be available before that date.

[Translated] Gerges2001: @sherif_hashim My military service will start on January 16, will I be able to unlock my iPhone 4 before that date?

Sherif_Hashim: @Gerges2001 sure

We'll have more updates as they come ! Stay tuned for that !

P.S. We're from Egypt and my mother language is Arabic so I could translate this tweet to English.

Couple of days ago, we reported you about the capability of downgrading iPhone 4 baseband 2.10.04 to 1.59.00 which can be unlocked with ultrasn0w, which may be perfect solution to unlock iPhone 4. Few minutes ago, Sherif Hashim the well-known iPhone hacker has replied someone via his twitter account confirming that work on 3.10.01 baseband is in progress.

Prostat_Pukis asking: that unlock will be for BB 03.10 as well?
sherif_hashim replying: yes

Don't ask about the timing as till now there's now estimate to arrival, but my own expectations that we will see something by the Xmas, stay tuned.

As most of you know, that iPhone Dev-team is working on two important tasks, untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 on all iDevices and iPhone 4 baseband 2.10.04 unlock. MuscleNerd has replied via his twitter to someone who asked him about the capability of downgrading iPhone 4, Let's check out how MuscleNerd replied him.

mfaizulislam asking: for Baseband downgrade , can it be applied to iPh4 ?
MuscleNerd replying: conceptually, yep probably. But new i4 unlock must precede that because otherwise, nothing to downgrade from 01.59 to

So, the dev-team is working now on downgrading iPhone 4 baseband 2.10.04 to 01.59.00 which is unlockable using ultrasn0w, but it should be known, that it has not been confirmed the success of this idea so far.

In case you have unlocked your iPhone 3GS / 3G by flashing iPad baseband 6.15.00 with ultrasn0w 1.2 on iOS 4.2.1, and have issues while restoring your device, here is Sherif Hashim the guy behind ultrasn0w unlock tool, has posted a simple guide showing how to restore your iPhone 3GS / 3G to avoid iTunes errors.


Note: To restore your iPhone 3GS from 4.2.1 to 4.1, you must have saved SHSH blobs for iOS 4.1.

For PwnageTool users:

A :  If you are on Mac and use PwnageTool: If you used pwnage tool then you will have to create a “new” custom 4.1 or 4.2.1 and say “No” when you are offered the BB update to 6.15.00 since you already have it, then build the custom ipsw and restore to that.

For Redsn0w users:

B : If you use(d) Redsn0w:

B.1: If you are currently on 4.1, then you can restore to official 4.1 again, and when you see error 1015 pop-up, you kick your device out of recovery mode using TinyUmbrella, use redsn0w and don’t check “ipad BB update” because you already have that Here Is How To Restore iPhone 3G And iPhone 3GS While On Baseband 06.15.00 And Having Issues icon smile

B.2: If you are currently on 4.2.1 then you’ll have to restore back to 4.1 (because 4.2.1 will not allow you to kick the phone out of recovery when 1015 occurs due to the silly BB / iOS mismatch check added there) , then do the same steps as CASE-1.

How to go again to iOS 4.2.1:

If you want to go again to 4.2.1 your only way is to use a custom 4.2.1 done by pwnage tool in the same steps mentioned in A .

Try Hashim's methods above to restore you device between 4.2.1 and 4.1, it worth trying. Don't forget to tell us about your experience.

Here's a bit of good news for who suffered from the new unlockable baseband 6.15.00 on iPhone 3GS and 3G. Most of the unlockers who unlocked their devices with ultrasn0w 1.2 can't restore to any stock firmware above 4.1, it only can be restored to a custom firmware, moreover, ultrasn0w 1.2 caused a loss of GPS. Let's check out the new progress regarding downgrade 06.15.00 baseband.

Lezanz: what about GPS issue? Any progress?

Musclenerd: sorry still collecting data on that. But also working on a bb downgrade (!) method for those with unlockable bb

MuscleNerd has confirmed in a tweet that he is working on a new method to downgrade baseband 6.15.00 to lower versions, which will be unlockable and to fix the GPS issue. Till now we didn't catch more details, but of course will let you know once we catch more, stay tuned.

Few minutes ago, a new mix-up between iPhone dev-team and sbingner, has been done to allow you to activate your iPhone 4, 3GS and 3G without using original SIM or Hactivation. Thanks to sbingner's new tool which called SAM (Subscriber Artificial Module) and redsn0w 0.9.6b6. Moreover this mix-up has fixed the battery consuming after unlocking iPhone 3GS/3G with ultrasn0w 1.2. Let's check out how use this package after the jump.


STEP 1: Download Redsn0w 0.9.6b6 for Windows and Mac, (Links at the end)

STEP 2: For iPhone 3GS/3G users follow our previous guide posted here, for other devices follow this guide, (But be sure you are using Redsn0w 0.9.6b6)

STEP 3: After you finish jailbreaking your device, start Cydia and add http://repo.bingner.com repository.
STEP 4: Then install “SAM” and “SAMPrefs”.

STEP 5: Launch Redsn0w 0.9.6b6 again, and select “Deactivate” option.
STEP 6: Navigate to Settings > SAM and click "De-Activate iPhone"

STEP 7: Connect your iPhone to your PC then launch iTunes, allow iTunes to activate your iPhone officially. You will see this message "iPhone is activated"

According to sbingner : If iTunes says invalid SIM, you will need to manually select the appropriate carrier under one of the methods besides "Automatic" and click on a SIMID.

STEP 8: Here's the final step, go now and follow our guide posted here to unlock your device with ultrasn0w 1.2

Download Redsn0w 0.9.6b6 for Windows and Mac.

The newly released ultrasn0w 1.2 which unlocked the iPhone 3GS/3G running iOS 4.2.1 by flashing the iPad baseband 06.15.00 using Redsn0w 0.9.6b5 or PwnageTool 4.1.3, has caused two major issues for many iPhone 3GS/3G users, ultrasn0w 1.2 has led to aggressive battery drainage, in addition,
iPhone becoming excessively hot. Sherif Hashim, one of the hackers behind ultrasn0w has addressed these issues, let's check out them after the jump.

Here's Hashim justifying these issues

i hope those of u with 3g/3gs are enjoying their updated unlocked devices, all props to @MuscleNerd & co. for making this possible :) , hopefully the iphone 4 on 2.10.04 and 3.10.01 follows within a good time table.

on a very important side note, before anyone starts to complain about battery drainage issues after installing the new ultrasn0w on the 6.15.00 updated BB, the culprit here is not ultrasn0w, it's the hacktivation process (activating the phone by pwnage tool or redsn0w rather than using an official carrier sim to do so) that u mostly did while jailbreaking.

The 4.1 and 4.2.1 ipsws unlike their old ancestors, seem to keep looking for valid push certificates all the time, either thru your wifi, or thru your cellular data network (which u only have after installing ultrasn0w and hence u accuse it) , this can be seen clearly if u have a cellular working data plan for 3g or edge and u watched the settings > general > usage > cellular network data (sent & received are continuously increasing even without using any internet traffics on the phone) , this will also render the phone going hot even in stand by mode and also very rapid battery drainage occurs plus consuming ur data if you were not on an unlimited plan.

How can you fix these problems:

so to resolve this, u either:
A) 1st Solution: try to activate the phone using the official sim if u have it (even if the sim itself is old and not working) , or borrow it from a friend if it's possible, by any means, try to have an access to one and use it

B) 2nd Solution: if A is not feasible, u can install SBsettings from featured cydia packages and turn wifi and data off when u r not using it (shuts down both 3g and edge) , till C is done

C) 3rd Solution: there is a very nice module being worked on by a trusted jailbreak app dev, namely @sbingner , which ll resolve that issue for those having it, the details of which shouldn't be disclosed until he finishes his awesome work, till then, either use A or B to resolve the issue if it exists for you

In case you're one of those who suffering from the above mentioned problems after unlocking their devices with ultrasn0w 1.2, you have to try the above solutions as they will handle the situation, but don't forget to feed us back with your results on the comments section.

Just a couple of hours back, the iPhone Dev Team has updated their carrier unlock tool which brings unlock for iPhone 3GS & 3G on iOS 4.1 or iOS 4.2.1 but unfortunately, you have to update your device's baseband to 06.15.00 to be able to unlock it.



Simply follow the steps below to jailbreak and unlock your iPhone 3G on iOS 4.2.1 using PwnageTool 4.1.3 for Mac OS X.

STEP 1: Download PwnageTool 4.1.3 unlock edition from here.

STEP 2: Download iOS 4.2.1 for your device and also catch iOS 3.2.2 from here before it's removed (required to update the baseband). Then copy all the files to your desktop.

STEP 3: Now launch PwnageTool and select iPhone 3GS / 3G and point it to the original iOS 4.2.1 firmware you downloaded.

STEP 4: You'll now be asked if you want to update your baseband to the 06.15 version. If you are on 05.14 or 05.15 or higher you will need to do this to unlock. You do not need to do this for jailbreak only. Click on YES and then select Browse for IPSW and point it to iOS 3.2.2 you downloaded.
STEP 5: You'll have to choose some options as installing Cydia packages, custom logos and packages. Finally, hit the blue the build button.
STEP 6: You'll be asked to save the cooked firmware. Please allow up to 10 minutes.
STEP 7: When prompted if your iPhone has been Pwned before, we clicked No. It allows for a more thorough restore. Once done, follow the instructions seen on the screen to enter into DFU mode
STEP 8: Now, You will have to restore your iPhone to the jailbroken custom firmware by Clicking on the iPhone icon on the left sidebar of iTunes then hold left “alt” button (“Shift” button on Windows) on the keyboard and then click on “Restore” then release the alt button, Now Select the custom firmware created by PwnageTool and Let iTunes go in a bunch of steps.

STEP 9: Almost done, you can now unlock your iPhone 3GS / 3G by following my previous guide posted here.Just a couple of hours back, the iPhone Dev Team has updated their carrier unlock tool which brings unlock for iPhone 3GS & 3G on iOS 4.1 or iOS 4.2.1 but unfortunately, you have to update your device's baseband to 06.15.00 to be able to unlock it.


Simply follow the steps below to jailbreak and unlock your iPhone 3G on iOS 4.2.1 using PwnageTool 4.1.3 for Mac OS X.

STEP 1: Download PwnageTool 4.1.3 unlock edition from here.

STEP 2: Download iOS 4.2.1 for your device and also catch iOS 3.2.2 from here before it's removed (required to update the baseband). Then copy all the files to your desktop.

STEP 3: Now launch PwnageTool and select iPhone 3GS / 3G and point it to the original iOS 4.2.1 firmware you downloaded.

STEP 4: You'll now be asked if you want to update your baseband to the 06.15 version. If you are on 05.14 or 05.15 or higher you will need to do this to unlock. You do not need to do this for jailbreak only. Click on YES and then select Browse for IPSW and point it to iOS 3.2.2 you downloaded.
STEP 5: You'll have to choose some options as installing Cydia packages, custom logos and packages. Finally, hit the blue the build button.
STEP 6: You'll be asked to save the cooked firmware. Please allow up to 10 minutes.
STEP 7: When prompted if your iPhone has been Pwned before, we clicked No. It allows for a more thorough restore. Once done, follow the instructions seen on the screen to enter into DFU mode
STEP 8: Now, You will have to restore your iPhone to the jailbroken custom firmware by Clicking on the iPhone icon on the left sidebar of iTunes then hold left “alt” button (“Shift” button on Windows) on the keyboard and then click on “Restore” then release the alt button, Now Select the custom firmware created by PwnageTool and Let iTunes go in a bunch of steps.

STEP 9: Almost done, you can now unlock your iPhone 3GS / 3G by following my previous guide posted here.

The iPhone Dev Team has just released ultrasn0w 1.2 which brings carrier unlock for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G on iOS 4.2.1 or iOS 4.1.

From the iPhone Dev Team Blog:

Today we’re pleased to announce our free carrier unlock for iPhone3G/3GS owners with a baseband later than 05.13.04.  The unlock for that baseband exploited the AT+XAPP command, thanks to a crash initially discovered by @sherif_hashim (@Oranav also found this crash).  So what hole are we exploiting today, since Apple closed that AT+XAPP hole?  Well, we’re exploiting the exact same hole!

It turns out that the very first iPad firmware 3.2.2 has baseband version 06.15.00 still vulnerable to AT+XAPP.  The iPad baseband is built for the exact same baseband chip as the iPhone3G/3GS — they’re fully compatible!  Some of us have been running 06.15 for weeks now on our iPhones in preparation for this release.

Since 06.15 is a higher version than 05.14 or 05.15 (where AT+XAPP is gone), anyone stuck at those versions can simply upgrade to 06.15 to unlock again!  Luckily for us, Apple *still* provides the iPad FW 3.2.2 with this vulnerable baseband right from their own servers. (Grab it now, before they take it down!)
We’ve been busy updating both PwnageTool and redsn0w to make the baseband update as seamless as possible.

1. First up is “PwnageTool 4.1.3 Unlock Edition”.  It has a special dialog box which will ask you if you want to update to the iPad baseband.  You must already have the iPad 3.2.2 IPSW on your computer (see the above link)….so just point PwnageTool at it (or let it find it on its own if you’re in “simple” mode).
2. Directly after PwnageTool 4.1.3 is available, the official ultrasn0w repo http://repo666.ultrasn0w.com will be updated with ultrasn0w 1.2, which covers iPhone 4 baseband 01.59.00 and iPhone 3G/3GS basebands 04.26.08, 05.11.07, 05.12.01, 05.13.04 and now 06.15.00.
3. Finally, we’ll release an update to redsn0w today for those without Macs and can’t run PwnageTool.  The new redsn0w will give you the option to update your baseband to 06.15 too.

WARNING — YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!  PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE CONSEQUENCES OF UPDATING TO 06.15.

1. There is no way to come back down from 06.15, and there’s no hiding the baseband version from Apple.  You’ll be voiding your warranty in a very obvious way.
2. If some future baseband comes out with a critical fix, you won’t be able to update to it if it remains down in the 05.xx sequence (then again, you wouldn’t update to it if you wanted to keep your unlock anyway).
3. Starting with FW 4.2.1 if you have 06.15 on your iPhone you won’t ever be able to restore to stock firmware (it will fail).  You’ll need to only restore to custom IPSWs (then again, if you’re unlocker you should already be doing that).

Certainly don’t update to 06.15 if you don’t need to!  Only do this if you need the unlock and you’re stuck on 05.14 or 05.15, and you’re willing to assume the above risks.

This PwnageTool also contains a 4.2.1 bundle for iPhone3G owners…for all else, it’s still only 4.1.  If you have an iPhone3GS with an old bootrom, the new redsn0w will handle 4.2.1 for you (in fact it covers 4.2.1 for all devices, even though some of them are still tethered at 4.2.1 until @comex can work some untethering magic).  iPhone3GS users with old bootroms who want to go to 4.2.1 should not use this PwnageTool!  Update to stock 4.2.1 first, then use the upcoming redsn0w to update your baseband.

Please feel free to use our comments section for questions.  We have some very knowledgeable and helpful moderators:  angiepangie, Confucious, dhlizard, and Frank55!

Official Bittorrent Releases

PwnageTool 4.1.3  – PwnageTool_4.1.3_Unlock_Edition.dmg.5994102.TPB.torrent
SHA1 Sum = adda6d882dce1b5117d01586037de289407e038a

Simply follow the instructions posted below to unlock your iPhone 3GS / 3G on iOS 4.2.1. / 4.1 on 05.15.04 and 05.14.02 basebands.

How to: Jailbreak iPhone 3GS / 3G on iOS 4.2.1:
STEP 1: Unlocking requires that your iPhone is jailbroken. Follow our updated guide posted here to use PwnageTool to update your baseband so you can unlock, or follow our guide posted here to use reds0w 0.9.6b5 (Windows & Mac OS X) to do the same as PwnageTool to update baseband to 06.15.00.

How to: Unlock iPhone 3GS / 3G on iOS 4.2.1:
STEP 2: Once you jailbreak yoour device, you can now unlock your iPhone on baseband 06.15.00 using Ultrasn0w 1.2 from Cydia. To do so, follow the steps below:

• Press to launch Cydia Installer from your SpringBoard.
• Press to select the Manage tab at the bottom of the screen.
• Press to select the Sources button

• Now touch on Edit and then on Add. You will be prompted to enter the URL of the source. Type http://repo666.ultrasn0w.com and touch on Add Source to add this repository. 

• Once the source has been added press the large Return to Cydia button then select the Done button at the top right of the screen.
• Now select repo666.ultrasn0w.com from the sources list and at last select ultrasn0w from the list of packages as shown below then install this application.

STEP 3: Almost done, now simply reboot your iPhone and you should have a fully unlocked iPhone 3GS on iOS 4.1 or iOS 4.2.1.

Unfortunately, iPhone 4 unlockers have to wait a bit longer before they can use their device on any carrier they like but at least they had promised to start working on that starting from tomorrow.

In case you are living under rocks, you may don't know that Ultrasn0w carrier unlock will be updated tomorrow (this Sunday) to provide a full unlock for iPhone 3GS / 3G on baseband 05.15.04 and lower ones. Anyway, iPhone 4 unlockers will have to wait a bit longer but we have good news for you too.


iPhone hacker Sherif Hashim is doing a great progress in unlocking iPhone 4 baseband 02.10.04 on iOS 4.2.1 / iOS 4.1 since he, according to this tweet, has provided very nice crashes for iPhone 4 baseband, also the iPhone Dev Team will start exploring more starting from this Monday.

Faiz: @MuscleNerd btw @sherif_hashim was working on i4 since long ? Did he not find anything interesting.

MuscleNerd: @mfaizulislam just the opposite :) @sherif_hashim has provided very nice crashes for i4 BB, which we can explore more starting Monday :)

This news gives some hope to iPhone 4 users who stuck on iOS 4.2.1 or iOS 4.1 with upgraded baseband as BB 02.10.04 or BB 03.10.01. More updates as they come! Stay tuned !

MuscleNerd of the iPhone Dev Team has just tweeted that Ultrasn0w unlock is on it’s way and you’ll be free at last. The unlock for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS on baseband 05.14.02 (iOS 4.1) and baseband 05.15.04 (iOS 4.2.1) will be released this Sunday.

Good progress today…everything is on track for updated ultrasn0w by Sunday/Funday at the latest (longer for iPhone4!)

MuscleNerd has wished a happy Thanksgiving today for everyone and told people not to wait for unlock today because they celebrate with their families too! Apparently, the latest Ultrasn0w update will work with iPhone 3G and 3GS and it may take a bit longer to release iPhone 4 integration. Anyway, stay tuned as we'l post immediately whenever the tool is updated and available.

Apple has release iOS 4.2.1, but not alone, it has merged some traps with this version for jailbreakers and unlockers with the introduction of a baseband requirement for iOS starting from the newly released iOS 4.2.1. Precisely, if you are using Saurik’s server or tiny umbrella and trying to restore 4.2.1 on an iPhone 4, you will end up in recovery mode and tiny umbrella will not be able to pull you out of recovery.

TheBigBoss: It seems that Apple has decided to put a baseband requirement on iOS. So at this point, if you are using Saurik’s server or tiny umbrella and trying to restore 4.2.1 on an iPhone 4, you will end up in recovery mode and tiny umbrella will not be able to pull you out of recovery. In this case, you will have to restore 4.1 again or you will have to restore 4.2.1 stock and be tether jailbroken. (Of course, I recommend 4.1 and not bothering with 4.2.1 at all). If you are an unlocker, this is a no brainier. Do not update to 4.2.1 even to test it at this point.

So we highly recommend to stay on iOS 4.1 and wait until the situation became stable, specially who want preserve their unlock. for now you can check iOS 4.2.1 features form here, and its jailbreak guide with redsn0w 0.9.6b4 from here. Stay tuned

The iPhone Dev Team has just posted a new blog post informing the status of unlock and jailbreak of the newly released iOS 4.2.1. The post starts by warning unlockers to stay away from iOS 4.2.1 until they release new tools to creat custom .IPSW firmwares that don't update your baseband.


However, jailbreak for older devices on iOS 4.2.1 shouldn’t be a problem at all as the post states:

The best news of all is for owners of iPhone3G, older iPhone3GS, and non-MC iPod touch 2G. Due to a combination of our original pwnage2 exploit, the arm7_go exploit, 24kpwn, and limera1n, your device is “just as jailbreakable as ever.” You reap the full benefit of an untethered 4.2.1 jailbreak.

For newer devices as iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 4G, iPod touch 3G and iPad will have to wait longer for untethered jailbreak

Next are the owners of all the more recent devices. The good news there is that due to geohot’s limera1n exploit, all recent devices can be jailbroken (this will be true until Apple released new hardware that fixes geohot’s limerain exploit in the bootrom). The bad news is that right now, the 4.2.1 jailbreak is *tethered* on all of these recent devices.

Here comes the good news for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G who rely on unlock, the iPhone Dev Team has announced that the unlock is ready and will be uploaded to the repo once the new version of Redsn0w is out, this will happen something this week:

ultrasn0w unlock: After redsn0w is officially released with the new Cydia and kernel patches, we’ll be able to assess the unlock situation. It’s already looking very promising though, so expect the unlock for the 3G and 3GS to be coming this week. The i4 unlock is taking more effort though, and no further concrete info is available about that yet.

To sum up what've been said above, you'll all get a semi-tethered jailbreak probably tonight with patched Cydia and MobileSubstrate. For unlockers, only iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS users will get the unlock this week, iPhone 4 users will have to wait a bit longer. We’ll keep you posted about jailbreak and unlock for iOS 4.2.1 but hopefully, we’ll be able to tweak our iPad folders and settings soon with some exciting tweaks.

As most of you know, Apple today has released iOS 4.2.1 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch bringing multitasking to iPad, AirPlay, AirPrint, unified mail and some new features to iOS devices. Since I have received lots of questions about iOS 4.2.1 jailbreak and unlock, let's show you what's going on and what's your situation of jailbreaking.


iOS 4.2.1 Jailbreak
There's no new tools released for iOS 4.2.1, but we tried the latest version of Redsn0w and it works on iOS 4.2.1 the same as it done iOS 4.2.1 GM, so you can follow our previous guide posted here to jailbreak iOS 4.2.1 using Redsn0w and then use our guide posted here to patch Cydia and run it on iOS 4.2.1.
iOS 4.2.1 Unlock
Yes, the new version of Ultrasn0w should be released today, tomorrow or this week. It should come out a day or 2 days at most after iOS 4.2 is released (as promised), so we can see it anytime now.

In case you updated to iOS 4.2.1, you will notice that it's baseband is different from iOS 4.1's one but they both will be unlocked by the same tool as the new baseband doesn't catch any holes. We'll have to wait and see what happens.

Save SHSH Blobs
If you’re on iOS 4.1 and jailbroken, by this point you should know how to save your SHSH blobs via TinyUmbrella to ensure untethered jailbreak as soon as iPhone hacker comex pull another trick out of his hat, the iOS 4.2.1 jailbreak is tethered on all iOS devices except iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS (old bootrom) and non-MC iPod touch 2G.
Though all this, I highly recommend waiting to upgrade for the official tools, but if you feel the need to give it a try right now.