A hacker group called Calif has demonstrated a new persistent jailbreak that defeats Apple’s Lockdown Mode on an iPhone 18 Pro, even after an update to iOS 27.2. In a video posted to X, the team sends a PDF via AirDrop, triggers the exploit, and shows the device completing the iOS update while the jailbreak remains active.
Apple has long touted Lockdown Mode as a hardened security feature for high‑profile targets such as politicians, activists, and CEOs, claiming a 100% protection rate since 2022. The proof‑of‑concept suggests the mode is not impenetrable, highlighting a potential avenue for attackers to access on‑device data despite its extensive restrictions.
The researchers have disclosed the discovered vulnerabilities to Apple and say they will not release a public jailbreak tool. Security experts warn that while Lockdown Mode blocks many attack vectors—configuration profiles, MDM enrollment, and insecure Wi‑Fi—it cannot guarantee absolute safety. The incident underscores the ongoing cat‑and‑mouse game between Apple’s defenses and sophisticated exploit developers.
Source: AppleInsider · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing