Apple announced in July that it would launch a new Apple Security Research Device program designed to provide researchers with specially configured iPhones that have unique code execution and content policies to facilitate security research.
Apple has announced the first researchers to adopt these unique iPhones to date, and Cupertino said the devices will be shipped soon. Under the terms of the program, participating security researchers will be given iPhones on loan for one year, although the loan can be extended.
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Apple believes that the Security Research Device program aims to further improve the security of iOS and that the cooperation of security researchers will help the company achieve its goal of increasing security for consumers. Apple said it appreciates collaborating with independent researchers and the work they do on Apple platforms.
The iPhones provided by Apple are more locked than user devices, making it easier for researchers to identify serious security vulnerabilities. These devices are as close as possible to phones made with the latest version of iOS and the latest hardware. Researchers do not have to jailbreak phones to do research, which allows them to explore the security features of the platform and enable devices to test the OS.
Program participants will have extensive documentation and access to a dedicated forum with Apple engineers. The Security Research Device program works with the Bug Bounty Program, so researchers who find a loss can receive payments of up to $ 1.5 million.
