iOS 5 Beta 4 Over-The-Air Update Not Compatible On Jailbroken Devices

[Joshua Tucker]

DISCLAIMER: iOS 5 is in beta and should be treated as such. Choosing to update or use an iOS beta is at your own risk. Be wary, cautious, and fully aware of the issues, consequences, or actions that may come about as a result.

Today, as ModMyi reported earlier today, Apple has released iOS 5 beta 4 for developer use via the iOS Developer Center. One of the key new features to this update is the over-the-air update capability; an addition that has been long awaited in the community. Although the over-the-air feature is something new and exciting to try, for jailbreak users, you're out of luck for the time being.

A few minutes ago, MuscleNerd (@MuscleNerd) tweeted out that jailbroken devices cannot update to iOS 5 beta 4 using the over-the-air capability due to some new "surprises" from Apple. This statement may clear the air in regards to people who may be frustrated and curious why OTA is not working for them on their jailbroken device(s).



According to his statement, the OTA update checks the folder /Applications on your device to check for certain components; possibly sniffing out the jailbreak folders and files - something that he calls:

..almost like a present from Apple

It is unknown whether any of the dev-teams (iPhone Dev and Chronic Dev) are working on a fix or a means of bypassing this issue. Stay tuned and be wary of what is to come. In order to update to iOS 5 beta 4 on your device right now, if you have a jailbroken device, use either of the following two ways:

• Restore to non-jailbroken iOS 5 beta 3 and use OTA
• Do the traditional IPSW file update directly from iTunes using iOS 5 beta 4 IPSW

UPDATE: Venexon (@Vexenon) tweeted out that the redsn0w beta 2 software that jailbroke iOS 5 beta 3 does not work on iOS 5 beta 4. If you're looking to keep your jailbreak on iOS 5, do not update at this time.



Source(s): MuscleNerd, Vexenon

[JoeStorm]

I've wondered for a long time why Apple just didn't do a simple file or folder check.

[chris102192]

I've wondered for a long time why Apple just didn't do a simple file or folder check.

ahahaha ive always wondered the same thing. but hey OTA updates are new to them.... so guess they have to start somewhere.

[whereswaldo]

I wonder if you temporarily remove the jailbreak components of /Applications if you can use the OTA and put the components back later

[skattrbrain]

Did anybody really think you'd be able to update OTA with a jailbroken device? Like, really...

[PathKiller29]

It's not like jailbreaking is illegal
They shouldn't be doing these checks

Not if apple wants anything new for the next update

[that_girl]

We are screwed. 4.3.3 for life.

[floyd27]

OMG..
Do you guys not know what OTA updates are?

If, OTA updates works for jailbroken devices, as soon as the update was applied your precious jailbreak would be gone. Just as if you updated in itunes with a stock apple firmware.

Muclenerd has said he would "disable" these updates just for this reason. Now apple has decided not to "enable" them for jailbroken devices, hence the "present from apple".

OTA updates are not something jailbreakers should be desiring. Its the exact opposite in fact..

[DevouredDreams]

maybe now we wont hear i accidentally upgraded my device as much lol

[PathKiller29]

maybe now we wont hear i accidentally upgraded my device as much lol

Lol

[Untaken]

Isn't this a good thing? I mean, it prevents someone from "accidentally" updating their device and hosing their jailbreak. My guess is that's why MuscleNerd referred to it as a "present from Apple".

EDIT: Didn't see some of the posts above which pretty much said the same thing, I only saw one comment to the article. WTF is up with this new site layout?

[javiert30]

We need a jailbreak over the air... lol

[ihappy]

maybe now we wont hear i accidentally upgraded my device as much lol

Lol. I agree

[PathKiller29]

We need a jailbreak over the air... lol

What do u call jailbreakme.com?

[energiesource]

Okay can someone tell me why when I reinstall 5.0b3 not jail broken and go to update Ota it tells me it's up to date?

[Rokesomesmeefer]

I've wondered for a long time why Apple just didn't do a simple file or folder check.

Maybe, like some jailbreaks, Apple was holding out for the right time to do it. I'm sure the idea was brought up years ago.

[javiert30]

What do u call jailbreakme.com?

Jailbreak over the web.

[harjas69]

tethered jailbreak i out ....redsn0w 0.9.8b4 ....check this out Dev-Team Blog - redsn0w iOS5beta

[ihappy]

tethered jailbreak i out ....redsn0w 0.9.8b4 ....check this out Dev-Team Blog - redsn0w iOS5beta

This is not for OTA. This is for people who who got beta 4 the old fashioned by using itunes.

[DaLsim]

OMG..
Do you guys not know what OTA updates are?

If, OTA updates works for jailbroken devices, as soon as the update was applied your precious jailbreak would be gone. Just as if you updated in itunes with a stock apple firmware.

Muclenerd has said he would "disable" these updates just for this reason. Now apple has decided not to "enable" them for jailbroken devices, hence the "present from apple".

OTA updates are not something jailbreakers should be desiring. Its the exact opposite in fact..

I agree, jailbreaker dont need OTA? If we like our jailbreak why update to a new and non jailbreak firmware?