Apple’s iBoot Source Code Allegedly Leaked: Everything an iPhone user needs to know right now

The biggest leak ever?

In what has been a season of leaks, another leak is here, and it could potentially dethrone every other leak once touted as “the biggest leak ever.” A GitHub user named ZioShiba posted a code named “iBoot” — which is said to be Apple iBoot source code for iOS 9.3 — on GitHub. This could open a huge can of worms if this alleged leak is actually what it purports to be.

What is iBoot source code?

iBoot, an integral component of iOS, is responsible for the authenticated boot of iOS devices. In simpler words, iBoot performs security checks and verifies that the kernel (iOS) is genuine, in addition to any other system files, are properly signed by Apple.

So, when you turn your iPhone on, iBoot is the first thing that gets loaded.

**Is this really a big deal?**

Yes. Emphatically, YES.

From a security point of view, iBoot is a highly critical part of the iOS that makes Apple’s iPhones stand out. That’s why Apple has been keeping the iBoot source code close to its chest. Over the years, Apple has opened up certain parts of iOS and MacOS, but never the iBoot source code. You can understand its significance from the fact that Apple rewards up to $200,000, one of the highest payments under Apple’s bounty program. If this is truly code for iOS 9.3, it could aid attackers in finding zero days, as well as will developing persistent malware and iPhone jailbreaks.