However, if you jailbreak apple tv, then that’s a different story. After you’ve jailbroken your Apple TV, you can proceed to install a wide range of systems, services, and applications on it that make it a lot more appealing even than the latest Apple TV.

Should you jailbreak your Apple TV?

While generally people are interested to know whether they should jailbreak their iPhone (there are many pros and cons to doing that), there are significantly less cons to jailbreaking your Apple TV. As for the pros, there are more than you can imagine.

Here are some of the most popular apps you can install once you’ve jailbroken your Apple TV:

aTV Flash (black): What makes this app great is the fact by that using it you can actually play a wide range of video format on your Apple TV. One example is the popular .mkv format. You can also use unofficial applications and also browse the internet.

Kodi: Kodi is an entertainment hub that allows you to mostly play podcasts, videos, and music. It also enables PVR functionality, meaning that on top of watching TV, you can also record your favorite shows, etc.

Jailbreaking your Apple TV

One of first things you need to know if you want to jailbreak apple tv is that you need to have the right model. If you do, then jailbreaking it is very simple. For instance, if you have the first generation Apple TV, you can jailbreak it by using Rowmote. The second generation is also easy to jailbreak, but we’ll cover more about that below.

Now, if you have an Apple TV 2nd generation and want to jailbreak it, here is how you can do it:

Those lucky owners if a 2nd Generation Apple TV should be happy, since they can actually jailbreak it. To do this, you first of all need to go online and look for Seas0nPass. We recommend you get the tools from the FireCore website. Once you get the tools, you have to follow the steps below:

1. Unrar the software and copy it to your Applications folder.
2. Get a micro USB cable and connect your Mac to your Apple TV.
3. Launch the jailbreaking software and then click on Create IPSW.
4. When prompted, you need to press the Menu and Play buttons on the Apple TV’s remote control. You should press the buttons simultaneously.
5. Once the software does its thing, you need to click on Done.
6. Lastly, all you have to do is unplug the USB cable and get an HDMI which you’ll use in order to connect the Apple TV to your TV. Turn on your TV and enjoy!

Once the Apple TV reboots, you will see the FireCore logo. Once you see that, your device has been successfully jailbroken. Now you can proceed to installing any apps and services you want on it. Enjoy your freshly jailbroken Apple TV!

Jailbreaking Apple TV 4th generation

1. If you want to jailbreak apple tv 4th generation, you’ll first of all need to connect it to your Mac by using a USB-C cable.
2. Automatic updates should be disabled so that your Apple TV cannot be updated anymore. To do this, go to Settings, System, Software Updates.
3. Go online and look for the iOS App Signer and Pangu jailbreak tool. Download and unrar them in the same folder.
4. Open Xcode and then go to File, New, Project, tvOS, Application, Single View, and finally Next.

The following fields should be filled in exactly as you see below:

1. Product Name: Jailbreak
2. Organization: *Input your name*
3. Organization Identifier: com.jailbreak.appletv

Note:

• Do not change anything else. After you’re done, click Next and then Create.
• Click Product, Destination, and then Apple TV.

At this point you’ll need to select your Apple ID and then link it to Xcode. You can do that by going to Xcode, then Preferences and then Accounts. Click Fix issue.

Remember the Pangu files you’ve extracted in the same folder as App Signer? Well, now you have to launch the App Signer and then select the atvipa.app file by using the Browse button. You can find this file in the Payload folder. While you’re still in the App Signer, click on the Certificate and Provisioning Profile for the application that was created in Xcode. Next, do this:

• Save the atvipa.ipa file on your desktop.
• Launch Xcode and then navigate to Window, Devices and then click on your Apple TV.
• Under installed apps, be sure to click on the “+” and then select the atvipa.ipa.

At this point the jailbreak tool is being deployed and once your home screen changes to that of Pangu, you’re good to go. One last step though is to launch the app to complete the jailbreaking process.

Congratulations! You’ve just jailbroken your Apple TV!

The post Should I jailbreak my Apple TV and How? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Although according to the official instructions, a paid developer account is required to perform the jailbreak, there is a way to do so for free.

Here’s a complete, step-by-step tutorial on how to jailbreak Apple TV 4 using the Pangu jailbreak tool on your Mac computer.

How to Jailbreak Apple TV 4

Requirements：

• An Apple TV 4 running tvOS 9.0 or 9.0.1
• A Mac
• A USB-C to USB-A cable
• Xcode
• A free Apple ID account with sideloading privileges (see below)
• Pangu tool 1.0
• iOS App Signer

Step 1: Disable Automatic Updates on your Apple TV (Settings > System > Software Updates; turn off Automatically Update).

Step 2: Dowload and extract both Pangu tool andi OS App Signer zip files.

Step 3: Login to Xcode with an Apple ID with sideloading privileges (get it for free by visiting the Apple developer center and agreeing to the terms; to login to Xcode, go to Xcode > Preferences > Accounts and click the ‘+’ sign).

Step 4: Go to File > New > Project > tvOS > Application > Single View Application > Next.

Step: Fill out the following fields

• Product Name: AppleTVJailbreak
• Organization: <Your name>
• Organization Identifier: com.jailbreak.appletv

Click Next > Create. Your new Xcode project will open.

Step 5: Connect your Apple TV to your Mac using the USB-C cable. Wait for Xcode to finish processing symbol files.

Step 6: Change the selected build device to the Apple TV by clicking the button at the top left to the right of the play button.

Step 7: Click Fix issue to create a provisioning profile for the device.

Step 8: When asked to add an Apple ID, click Add and sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 9: Click Fix Issue once again and select your account from the list of accounts. Xcode will automatically fix your code signing issues.

Step 10: Launch iOS App Signer, click Browse and select the atvipa.app file from the Payload folder in the extracted Pangu archive. Click Open.

Step 11: Choose your Apple ID from the list of Signing Certificates and make sure Provisioning Profile is set to tvOS Team Provisioning Profile: com.YourName.AppleTVJailbreak.

Step 12: Click Start and then Save to save the atvipa.ipa file to your desktop.

Step 13: Select Devices from the Window menu in Xcode.

Step 14: Click the + button under Installed apps, and select the atvipa.ipa from your desktop.

Step 15: A Pangu app will appear on your Apple TV. Launch the app to initiate and complete the jailbreak.

That’s it. Congrats! You have successfully managed to jailbreak Apple TV 4.

You can now SSH into it  using the Apple TV’s Wi-Fi IP address.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post How to jailbreak Apple TV 4 with Pangu for free [Mac tutorial] appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

The Pangu Team has just released a jailbreak for the new Apple TV. The jailbreak is limited to Apple TV 4 running tvOS 9.0 and 9.0.1.

So we just release jb for ATV4. Checkout at https://pangu.io . Current jb will give u ssh access to ATV4 with tvOS 9.0/9.0.1

Jailbreak developers may port their tweaks and apps to ATV with ssh available. Check the guide before jailbreaking your ATV.

ATV4 requires arm64 binaries!

The jailbreak tool can be downloaded from pangu.io.

If you’re still on tvOS 9.o or 9.0.1, keep away from tvOS 9.1, 9.1.1 and 9.2 software updates, as those are not supported by the Pangu’s jailbreak and it is impossible to downgrade the firmware to a previous version.

As the Pangu Team admits, the jailbreak is mostly targeted (at least for now) for jailbreak developers, so they can start releasing tweaks and apps for the Apple TV 4.

Apple Developer Program membership is required in order to perform the jailbreak.

As for now, the Pangu 1.0 Apple TV jailbreak tool anly allows SSH access.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Apple TV 4 jailbreak released appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

We’re hearing from some developers that iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan use a new AirPlay encryption, which is not compatible with older Apple TV firmwares and software mirroring solutions like AirServer and Reflector.

In iOS 9 and El Capitan, Apple TVs running firmware version older than 6.2 appear as an audio only destinations:

In order for AirPlay to work, both iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan require Apple TV running firmware 6.2 and newer, meanwhile the latest jailbreakable Apple TV software version is 5.3.

People with jailbroken Apple TV’s running 5.3 will need to upgrade to 6.2 or newer to continue using AirPlay.

Of course, if you’re using a jailbroken Apple TV, you may choose not to update to iOS 9 or/and El Capitan and keep AirPlaying your content to the Apple TV.

Some developers told us they are re-implementing the encryption in their software to be ready for the final iOS 9/El Capitan update.

It is expected that iOS 9 will be released in mid-September. OS X El Capitan will launch sometimes in October.

This Wednesday, Apple is hosting an event where it is expected to unveil a next-generation Apple TV, which is rumored to be be thicker and slightly wider than the current-generation model and feature Apple’s A8 chip, a new, “drastically improved” remote with touchpad, more on-board storage, an improved operating system with support for Siri voice control and a long-awaited App Store.

Read more on Apple TV 4: 

• Apple TV 4 specs and price revealed
• Apple TV 4: big focus on gaming and Siri, support for Bluetooth game controllers
• Apple TV 4 will cost $149-$199, available in October

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan won’t let you AirPlay to jailbroken Apple TV (or those running older firmware) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Back in May, Apple removed YouTube channel from the 1st and 2nd generation Apple TV. It was due to Google ending support for its YouTube’s Data API v2, used by older devices. Luckily, there’s FireCore and its aTV Flash (black), a little piece of software that supercharges jailbroken Apple TVs.

With the release of aTV Flash (black) 2.6, FireCore built an all-new native YouTube plugin that provides many of the most popular YouTube features that were taken away in May.

The new plugin works on any jailbroken Apple TV 2 running Apple TV 5.3 firmware version.

This new YouTube plugin allows for browsing of popular videos as well as searching for videos, channels, users, or playlists. The developers said they are also working on a few additional, “neat options” for subsequent releases.

Due to some required behind-the-scenes changes, updating to 2.6 will require re-running the aTV Flash (black) installer from a Mac or PC. Once updated, future releases can be installed through the native Apple TV menus as before. Links for the latest version can be found in your account under the Downloads tab.

If you’re new to aTV Flash (black) you can read our full review here.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post YouTube returns to Apple TV 2 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Jailbreaking has been the way to go for most power users of the Apple TV. Unfortunately, the Apple TV 3 still lacks a jailbreak and those who’ve been waiting for one have almost given up.

In 2014, Apple TV got a whole bunch of new channels, but if you want to enjoy all the flexibility of the jailbreak, you need a 2nd genereation Apple’s set-top box.

We put together a brief guide on where to buy a jailbreakable or already jailbroken Apple TV 2.

ALSO CHECK OUT: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Apple TV users

Note that the price of Apple TV 2 can be up to three times the MSRP of a new, 3rd gen models and many of them are used ones too. So be wise in your decisions and choose the best box for your use.

Buy a new Apple TV 2 in sealed box

If you want to make sure you’re getting a perfect piece of hardware, this is the way to go. You’ll need to do the whole jailbreak process on your own but shouldn’t be a problem, as you can simply follow our guide on How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 with Seas0nPass.

IMPORTANT: Apple TV 5.3 (iOS 6.1.4 – 10B809; released on June 19th, 2013) is the latest jailbreakable Apple TV 2 firmware. Make sure the device you’re planning to get doesn’t run on a newer one.

You can get a new Apple TV 2 on Amazon at $276 and up and on eBay, at around $250.

Buy a used Apple TV 2 (some are already jailbroken)

On the lower end of the spectrum, we have the used Apple TV 2, which can be purchased for a much lesser price.

Many of the used Apple TV 2 come jailbroken/hacked and loaded with XBMC, Plex, aTV Flash (black), NitoTV, etc., so that you can just connect and play without any issues – perfect for the not-so tech-savvy and the lazy fellows.

On Amazon, you can get one for as low as $165. On eBay, “Buy it Now” offers start at $210 or you can bid on one for much less.

Buy a refurbished Apple TV 2

This is kind of the best of both worlds, as you get a trustworthy device for a lower price. But you still have to jailbreak the device by following this guide.

Refurbished Apple TV 2nd gen models are available on Amazon starting at $250.

So go through the listings, find a good one, shop safe and happy jailbreaking!

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Still waiting for Apple TV 3 jailbreak? Buy… Apple TV 2 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

In case you were wondering what’s the status of the Apple TV 3 jailbreak, here is what a top iOS hacker MuscleNerd had to say when asked if he is aware of anyone working on this jailbreak:

@YAMiNE_X nobody that I know (and Airplay sort of deflated any remaining motivation to anyway)

— MuscleNerd (@MuscleNerd) February 2, 2014

Yesterday we reported on a new Boot exploit discovered by iH8sn0w and the confusion it caused: whether or not it could be used to jailbreak the Apple TV 3? MuscleNerd has then clarified that iH8Sn0w’s A5(X) iBoot bug doesn’t apply to Apple TV 3.

The hacekr explained that Apple TV 3 “pretty much needs either a bootrom exploit, or for App development to all of a sudden open for on it” and added that “neither are likely”.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for the latest updates on Apple TV 3 jailbreak status.

More on Apple TV 3 jailbreak:

• Apple TV 3 jailbreak confusion: No, iH8Sn0w’s A5(X) iBoot bug doesn’t apply to Apple TV 3
• There is still hope for Apple TV 3 jailbreak to become a reality
• State of the Apple TV 3 Jailbreak
• News on the Apple TV 3 jailbreak out of JailbreakCon 2012 (updated)
• Confirmed: Apple TV 3 jailbreak is in the works (updated)

The post Is anyone working on Apple TV 3 jailbreak? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

After iH8sn0w, the developer behind Sn0wBreeze, announced that he had discovered an iBoot exploit that makes A5(X) devices jailbreakable for life, there was a confusion whether it could be used to jailbreak the Apple TV 3 or not. The clarification came from MuscleNerd (who was, by the way, the first to predict that Apple TV 3 will be “a tough cookie to crack”):

To clear up the ATV3G confusion: the iBoot bug doesn't apply (a jailbreak is needed to actually trigger it). Don't go out and buy any!

— MuscleNerd (@MuscleNerd) February 2, 2014

MuscleNerd explained that Apple TV 3 “pretty much needs either a bootrom exploit, or for App development to all of a sudden open for on it” and added that “neither are likely”.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for the latest updates on Apple TV 3 jailbreak status.

More on Apple TV 3 jailbreak:

• There is still hope for Apple TV 3 jailbreak to become a reality
• State of the Apple TV 3 Jailbreak
• Apple TV 3 jailbreak to be released soon? Fake!
• News on the Apple TV 3 jailbreak out of JailbreakCon 2012 (updated)
• Confirmed: Apple TV 3 jailbreak is in the works (updated)
• Apple TV 3 jailbreak status update: work is ongoing

The post Apple TV 3 jailbreak confusion: No, iH8Sn0w’s A5(X) iBoot bug doesn’t apply to Apple TV 3 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Seas0nPass, the popular Apple TV jailbreak tool, has been recently updated by FireCore and now allows for an untethered jailbreak of Apple TV 5.3 (Apple TV 2 only). Released in June last year, Apple TV software version 5.3 added HBO GO, WatchESPN, Sky News, Crunchyroll and Qello to our little black boxes.

Here is a step by step tutorial on how to untether jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.3 using Seas0nPass:

Pre-launch checklist

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes (check for updates through Software Update located in Apple menu).
2. Download Seas0nPass for Mac [10.6 or later] or Windows [XP or later].
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.
4. Disconnect any iPods, iPhones, and iPads from your computer.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Unzip the ‘Seas0nPass.zip’ file and launch Seas0nPass.

Step 2: Select the ‘Create IPSW’ button to start the jailbreak process.

Step 3: The latest Apple TV software will be downloaded and used to create a custom ‘jailbroken’ software file.

Step 4:When prompted, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected).

Once the light on the front of the Apple TV begins to flash rapidly, point the remote at the AppleTV and hold both the MENU and PLAY/PAUSE buttons for 7 seven seconds.

Note: This step will require the silver (aluminum) Apple TV remote that was included with the ATV2. The older, white (plastic) remotes will not work.

Step 5: Seas0nPass will complete the restore automatically, and confirm when complete.

Step 6: iTunes will confirm the restore when complete – your Apple TV is now jailbroken.

Note: To confirm the jailbreak was successful a (temporary) red FC logo will appear in the lower right corner of the screen – as shown below.

Enjoy!

aTV Flash (black) users that are already running 5.3 can jailbreak by following these two easy steps:

1. Navigate to Maintenance > Manage Extras
2. Install the Maintenance (2.4) update and the Click to Untether (1.2) items – restart the Apple TV when prompted.

Note: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.3 (iOS 6.1.4) using Seas0nPass (untethered; Mac & Windows) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

So you didn’t update your Apple TV 2 firmware to version 6.0 (iOS 7) when it came in September, hoping for a jailbreak for 5.3 software (iOS 6.1.4 – 10B809) to come sooner or later? The wait is finally over as an updated version of FireCore‘s Seas0nPass now allows for an untethered jailbreak of Apple TV 5.3 (Apple TV 2 only).

The update was possible thanks to the help from @iH8sn0w, @winocm, and @SquiffyPwn.

FireCore also revealed that “there has been some encouraging progress made on Apple TV 6.0+” (thanks to the work of @evad3rs and @nitoTV) and they hope to have more news available “soon”.

If you’re on 6.0.x but have the SHSH blobs saved for 5.3, you can use Seas0nPass to first downgrade and then jailbreak your atv2.

Here is how to jailbreak (instructions provided by FireCore):

Option 1 – if you’re already running 5.3

1. On the ATV2, navigate to Maintenance > Manage Extras
2. Install the Maintenance (2.4) update and the Click to Untether (1.2) items – restart the Apple TV when prompted.

Option 2 – to update or reinstall 5.3

1. (Optional) Navigate to Maintenance > Settings > Manage Backups and create a new backup. Double-check to ensure the backup is listed in the Restore From Backups menu.
2. Download the latest version of Seas0nPass.
3. Open and run Seas0nPass normally, to update the Apple TV to 5.3 untethered.
4. Download and run the new 2.4 version of aTV Flash (black) to reinstall.

If you’re new to aTV Flash (black) you can read our full review here.

Note: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Untethered jailbreak for Apple TV 2 5.3 released appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.