Apple to send 'jailbroken' iPhones to security program participants

Apple is reportedly preparing to send out "jailbroken" iPhone devices to the first participants of its Security Research Device (SRD) program, which is meant to facilitate iOS security research, Report states, citing RIA Novosti.

The SRD program centers on specially configured iPhones that are less locked down than consumer devices, allowing security researchers to find flaws and vulnerabilities more quickly. The program was announced in August 2019, and Apple began accepting applications for it in July 2020.

The SRD program's goal is to allow researchers to more easily find and report security vulnerabilities in Apple platforms without needing to jailbreak devices. In a way, the program also serves as an olive branch to security researchers, who have long complained about Apple's bug bounty programs and security policies.

Alongside access to an SRD, participants will also be granted access to a particular collaborative forum with Apple engineers and extensive documentation on Apple platforms.

In addition to the SRD, Apple also announced that it would be paying more for vulnerabilities found in its software as part of its bug bounty program.