Jailbreak iOS 18: Best Alternatives to customize modern iPhones April 2025
No, you can’t jailbreak iOS 18. Apple has fixed all the known exploits, so there’s no way to crack the latest iOS firmware—at least not with any publicly available methods. Be wary of websites claiming to offer jailbreak tools for iOS 18/18.4; they’re scams and might even infect your device with malware.
Palera1n, for example, doesn’t work with iOS 18 since no compatible iPhones can run this firmware version. That said, you can jailbreak iPadOS 18, but it’s only an option for iPad 7 (iPad7,11). You can easily check if your iPhone can run iOS 18, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, or 18.4 using our live iOS Signing Status web-based tool.
This article offers a clear and detailed look at alternatives to jailbreaking iOS 18/18.4. It explains why a jailbreak for this version is unlikely and highlights the best options available for iOS users to customize their system and apps.
How iOS Jailbreak Works: A Look Behind the Scenes
In recent years, jailbreak tools have emerged when an iOS security researcher uncovered a system vulnerability that allowed unauthorized code to run. Unlike well-known developers like Pwn20wnd with unc0ver or Linus Henze with Fugu, these researchers typically didn’t build full jailbreaks themselves.
Instead, they paved the way by sharing a working exploit demo. From there, others had to take over, creating a complete jailbroken environment. This involved setting up package managers like Cydia or Sileo, designing a tweak injection system, and tackling other complex steps. No iOS 18/18.4 exploit has been released so far.
It’s a complex process—more challenging, involving extra bypasses and security exploits—but we’ll leave it there since this isn’t a technical deep dive. Coupled with Apple’s aggressive update cycle—quickly patching exploits when they’re found—the window for developing and releasing a stable, public jailbreak keeps shrinking.
checkm8: Jailbreaking with BootROM Exploit
checkra1n and palera1n jailbreaks are built on the checkm8 (pronounced "checkmate") BootROM exploit 1713. This is a hardware-level vulnerability in Apple's Secure ROM, affecting devices with A5 to A11 chips (iPhone 5s to iPhone X). I was also used widely to bypass iCloud Activation Lock on all vulnerable devices.
- Mechanism: checkm8 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code during the boot process by exploiting flaws in the read-only memory (BootROM), which cannot be patched via software updates. This grants full control over the device's operating system.
- Vulnerability Status: The checkm8 exploit does not have a CVE identifier, as it is a permanent, unpatchable hardware flaw. iPhone X and older support only iOS 16.7.11 and below.
Dopamine: Jailbreaking iOS with KFD exploit and PPL bypass
Dopamine, a semi-untethered jailbreak tool, primarily uses the Kernel File Descriptor (KFD) exploit combined with a PPL (Page Protection Layer) bypass based on Operation Triangulation to jailbreak iOS devices with A9 to A16 chips (iPhone XS – iPhone 15 Plus). This is the latest jailbreak released to the public for modern iDevices.
- Mechanism: uses the KFD exploit to target a vulnerability in the iOS kernel, allowing it to gain unauthorized access and execute code. Executing the PPL bypass, inspired by the Operation Triangulation research, helps overcome Apple's memory protection mechanisms.
- Vulnerability: Dopamine takes advantage of several kernel vulnerabilities, which were patched in the iOS 16.6.2 update and haven’t resurfaced in later releases.
Can you jailbreak iOS 18.0 – iOS 18.4?
The answer is simple: No, you can’t jailbreak iOS 18 through 18.4. According to Apple’s iOS 18 release notes, there’s an intriguing exploit that could potentially revive jailbreaking. However, hackers chasing profits aren’t keen on sharing their findings with the public anymore. The traces can be found with the new iOS changelog.
You can definitely tell that new iOS 18/18.4 exploits are being snapped up by mercenary spyware like NSO Group’s Pegasus, Predator Spyware, and Operation Triangulation, among others. These tools are wielded by governments to secretly monitor politicians, activists, or anyone they target—without their knowledge.
iOS 18, following iOS 17, marks a historic shift as the first version without any publicly released jailbreak exploits to date. We do know that Linus Henze, a key figure behind the Dopamine jailbreak, uncovered some new exploits. However, since joining Apple, he’s no longer sharing them with the public.
Could jailbreak for iOS 18 be released in the future?
Yes, but don’t hold your breath if you’re hoping to jailbreak your iPhone on iOS 18. Several factors make a public jailbreak for this version unlikely anytime soon. First, Apple has significantly tightened iOS security with each update, and iOS 18/18.4 is no exception. The company has patched known vulnerabilities, like the Kernel File Descriptor (KFD) exploit used in tools such as Dopamine, leaving fewer openings for hackers to exploit.
Unlike earlier iOS versions where researchers frequently shared discoveries, no public exploits have surfaced for iOS 18 (or iOS 17 before it) as of April 10, 2025. This is a stark contrast to the past when jailbreak communities thrived on openly available exploits.
Second, the incentives for releasing jailbreaks have shifted. Talented researchers like Linus Henze, have been scooped up by Apple. Once hired, their focus turns to bolstering iOS security rather than exposing weaknesses. Other skilled hackers, meanwhile, are drawn to the lucrative world of private exploit sales.
While it’s not impossible for an iOS 18 jailbreak to surface eventually, the combination of stronger security, a lack of public exploits, and shifting priorities among researchers makes it a long shot for users eager to tweak their devices. For now, the era of accessible jailbreaks seems to be fading.
Best Alternatives for Jailbreak iOS 18 - 18.4
The jailbreak scene has changed over time. While a handful of new exploits have surfaced, enabling developers to craft a jailbreak experience for iOS 18, the options are limited. You can tweak system settings, install persistent apps, add jailbreak tweaks, enable hidden iOS 18 features, and even manage packages through Sileo.
Still, this falls short of the full potential jailbreaking once offered. But if you can’t get what you want, you learn to appreciate what you’ve got. Here are some of the best alternatives to jailbreak iOS 18/18.4.
- Nugget: is a Desktop software that uses the new exploit to modify MobileGestalt, enabling some hidden system features on iOS devices without the need for a jailbreak. It works also on iOS 18/18.4.
- Nugget Mobile: is an iOS app that uses the SparseBox exploit and a workaround with a local VPN connection to apply changes on the device via the SparseRestore method.
- misakaX: is a popular application to tweak iOS settings without a jailbreak. It uses some exploits to modify configuration files on iOS devices without using a real jailbreak.
- mikotoX: is a SparseBox application for iOS, including iOS 18/18.4, that can modify system settings and tweak iOS 18 the way Apple doesn't officially allow. It uses file read/write exploits.
- SparseBox: is an iOS version of the SparseRestore exploit, designed to access system files on iOS 18/18.4. Released as a proof-of-concept app, it runs directly on an iPhone.
- PureKFD: is a new iOS app allowing users to access Picasso Packages and Misaka packages and execute them using KFD exploit on supported devices. Tweak system settings without a jailbreak.
- Sideloadly: allows you to inject jailbreak tweaks into sideloaded apps. You can use this app to tweak Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and many other apps. iOS 18 is also fully supported.
- Tweaks: some jailbreak tweaks for apps come pre-built as IPA packages and are available for download in our IPA Library Tweaks Section. You can sideload them with IPA Installers.
FAQ
No, you can't jailbreak iOS 18. There is no jailbreak tool available that supports iOS 18.0 – iOS 18.4. Do not download jailbreaks that pretend to support those releases.
Yes, it is possible to install jailbreak tweaks on iOS 18. However, it is not possible to inject tweaks into system apps, SpringBoard, etc. You can only inject tweaks into sideloaded apps.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like a new exploit will be released that will allow for iOS 18 jailbreak. Use alternatives, like Nugget to tweak your device and enable some hidden system settings on iOS 18.
