Legacy iOS Kit: How to Download, Install, and Jailbreak Older iOS Devices on macOS

Legacy iOS Kit, also known as the iOS-OTA-Downgrader, stands out as the all-in-one solution for restoring/downgrading, preserving SHSH blobs, and jailbreaking legacy iOS devices. This toolbox was released for macOS and Linux. Legacy iOS Kit Windows version is not available, but there is a workaround.

With support for A5/A6/A7/A8/A9/A10 iDevices, including the iPhone 3G, it offers a diverse range of tools. Whether you need to activate, jailbreak, downgrade, or save blobs, sideload IPA, enter pwned iBSS/kDFU mod, dumping and stitching baseband to IPSW, this tool has you covered with all the essential features.

Key Takeaways

What is Legacy iOS Kit? Compatibility & Features

Legacy iOS Kit offers a suite of tools designed to facilitate the restoration, downgrading, SHSH blobs saving, and jailbreaking of older iOS devices on both Linux and macOS platforms. Compatible with a range of iDevices from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 7, this kit amalgamates over 40 open-source utilities into a user-friendly package, streamlining the process for users. The project was formerly known as iOS-OTA-Downgrader.

Exploring the Legacy-iOS-Kit can initially be overwhelming, given its array of features. However, focusing on key functionalities can illuminate its potential. One such functionality is the ability to restore or downgrade the installed iOS (custom IPSW, latest iOS version, tethered downgrade).

Restoration involves flashing firmware onto the device, enabling users to either downgrade or upgrade to different iOS versions. The options within the Restore/Downgrade section may vary depending on the device and is available in the Restore/Downgrade section.

iOS OTA Downgrader: All important Tools

OTA Downgrade allows for the restoration of devices to an "OTA signed" version, which are versions signed by Apple, making downgrades possible outside of iTunes. The Legacy iOS Kit facilitates this process for users, provided they meet the requirements. Notably, iOS 6.1.3, 8.4.1, and 10.3.3 are among the versions that are "OTA signed."

powdersn0w, an included tool, offers various device modification options, including jailbreaking. It involves creating custom firmware using exploits with iOS 5 or iOS 7, enabling restoration and booting to unsigned target iOS versions. powdersn0w, originally developed by kok3shidoll (also known as dora2ios), has been modified in the Legacy iOS Kit to enhance functionality, including automatic file creation and expanded platform support.

For Linux users, the Legacy-iOS-Kit facilitates sideloading IPA files, expanding app options beyond the App Store. This process utilizes AltServer-Linux for signing and installing IPAs. Additionally, AppSync simplifies the installation of IPA files, enhancing app accessibility.

Hacktivation is another notable feature, enabling device activation without a standard SIM card or official activation method. It's particularly useful for older iPhones that require a SIM card for activation. The Legacy iOS Kit supports hacktivation for various iPhone models on specific iOS versions. This is the method that sn0wbreeze uses when hacktivating devices.

Furthermore, SSH Ramdisk provides secure access to the device's filesystem, enabling advanced troubleshooting and modifications. It allows for tasks such as connecting via SSH, dumping onboard SHSH blobs (for 64-bit devices), dumping baseband and activation record files (for 32-bit devices), and installing TrollStore (64-bit devices on iOS 14/15 only).

Exploring these core functionalities empowers users to fully unleash the potential of the Legacy-iOS-Kit, enabling them to tailor and enhance their legacy iOS devices according to their specific requirements. Developed by LukeZGD, the Legacy iOS Kit was launched as an open-source project under the GPL-3.0 license. Legacy iOS Kit source code is available via GitHub.

How to download and install Legacy iOS Kit on macOS

Step 1: Download Legacy iOS Kit (Simpler for One-Time Use)

Step 1. Download Legacy-iOS-Kit:

• Visit the Legacy iOS Kit Releases Page.
• Download the latest macOS-compatible release (e.g., Legacy-iOS-Kit-macOS.zip).

Step 2. Extract the Legacy-iOS-Kit-macOS.zip file.

• Extract the zip file to a folder (e.g., ~/Downloads/Legacy-iOS-Kit).

Step 2: Install Dependencies

Choose your package manager based on macOS version:

For Homebrew (macOS 13 Ventura and newer)

Install dependencies:

brew install bash curl libusb

For MacPorts (macOS 12.7.6 and older)

Install dependencies:

sudo port install bash curl libusb

For macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) Only: Install cocoadialog:

sudo port install cocoadialog

Step 3: Run the Legacy iOS Kit Script

Step 1. Open Legacy iOS Kit folder:

• Navigate to the Legacy iOS Kit folder from Terminal using cd.

cd Legacy-iOS-Kit

Step 2. Make the script executable:

chmod +x ./restore.sh

Step 3. Run the script:

./restore.sh

First-time users: The script will auto-install additional dependencies. Wait for completion (depends on internet speed).

FAQ

Written by

Kuba Pawlak

Kuba has over 20 years of experience in journalism, focusing on jailbreak since 2012. He has interviewed professionals from various companies. Besides journalism, Kuba specializes in video editing and drone flying. He studied IT at university before his writing career.

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