Bootrom

Introduction / old+new

The bootrom (called "SecureROM" by Apple) is the first significant code that runs on an iDevice. The bootrom is read-only. Finding exploits in the bootrom level is a big achievement since Apple won't be able to fix it without a hardware revision.

Certain models, including the iPod touch 2G and iPhone 3GS, have different bootrom versions. These are most commonly referred to with the terms "old bootrom" and "new bootrom." These "new bootrom" devices were released after 9 September 2009 and have the 0x24000 Segment Overflow fixed. While the new bootrom revisions have an exploit, the exploit needs the assistance of a firmware-based exploit to achieve an untethered jailbreak.

You might also be looking for Apple's stage 2 bootloader, which also uses the "iBoot" name.

Finding bootrom version

From the model number (iPod Touch 2G)

If the second character of your Model Number is "B" (as in "MB533" or "PB533"), your iPod has the old bootrom. If the second character is "C" (as in "MC086" or "PC086"), your iPod has the new bootrom.

From the serial number (iPhone 3GS)

The third digit of the serial number identifies the year of manufacture (9=2009, 0=2010), while the fourth and the fifth indicate the week. The first "new bootrom" devices are from week 40 of 2009 (??940?????? or higher serials). Any iPhone made after Week 45 of 2009 (??945?????? and higher or ??0???????? serials) has the new bootrom.

From the iBoot version (iPhone 3G S)

If a .2 (eg. 636.66.2) is behind the iBoot Version then it contains the Newer iPhone 3GS Bootrom.

From the DFU Device descriptors (All devices)

Windows

Connect Device & Enter DFU Mode
Open Device Manager, find USB controller, subitem Apple Mobile Device USB Driver
Right-Click & click Properties
Go to Details tab & select Device Instance Path in the dropdown box
The end of the info string will show the bootrom version

Mac OS X

Connect Device & Enter DFU Mode
Go to System Profiler, and under the Hardware category, go to USB, and click on Apple Mobile Device (DFU Mode)
The end of the info string will show the bootrom version

Linux

Install gnome-device-manager and start it
Connect Device & Enter DFU Mode
Search in the left tree-view for USB Device and look at Summary -> Model until it says Apple Mobile Device (DFU Mode)
If it does go to Properties (next to Summary) and search for usb_device.serial
The end of the String will show you the bootrom version