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Introduction

What is ipsw 🤔​

ipsw is a comprehensive command-line research framework for iOS and macOS that serves as your Swiss Army knife for Apple platform analysis. Whether you're a security researcher, reverse engineer, jailbreak developer, or iOS enthusiast, ipsw provides the tools you need to download, parse, analyze, and interact with Apple firmware and devices.

Core Capabilities​

  • 📱 IPSW/OTA Analysis - Download, extract, and analyze iOS firmware files from multiple sources
  • 🔍 Binary Analysis - Advanced Mach-O parsing with ARM disassembly and AI-powered decompilation
  • 🧠 dyld_shared_cache - Complete shared cache analysis with ObjC/Swift class dumping
  • 🔧 Kernel Analysis - Kernelcache parsing, KEXT extraction, and symbolication
  • 📲 Device Interaction - Comprehensive iOS device management and debugging via idev
  • 🔐 Firmware Research - IMG4, iBoot, SEP, and co-processor firmware analysis
  • 🏪 App Store Connect - Full API integration for app and certificate management
  • 🛠️ Developer Tools - SSH, Frida integration, debugging, and reverse engineering utilities
  • 🤖 AI-Powered Analysis - Integrated decompiler with support for Claude, OpenAI, Gemini, and Ollama

Quick Start​

# Download latest iPhone 15 Pro firmware
ipsw download ipsw --device iPhone16,1 --latest

# Extract and analyze kernelcache
ipsw extract --kernel iPhone16,1_*.ipsw
ipsw kernel info kernelcache.*

# Connect and interact with device
ipsw idev list
ipsw idev syslog

# Analyze binary with AI decompiler
ipsw macho disass /path/to/binary --entry --dec --dec-model "Claude 3.5 Sonnet"

Use Cases​

Security Research​

  • Vulnerability analysis and exploit development
  • Firmware security assessment
  • Binary reverse engineering with AI assistance

Jailbreak Development​

  • Bootchain analysis and exploitation
  • Kernel extension research
  • System modification and patching

iOS Development​

  • App debugging and analysis
  • Certificate and provisioning management
  • Device testing and automation

Digital Forensics​

  • Device data extraction and analysis
  • Timeline reconstruction
  • Artifact analysis

Ready to dive in? Start with our Installation Guide or explore the comprehensive guides to learn about specific features.