iPhone 4 owners can legally get Siri, know-how required
Apple releases an iOS 5.0.1 update that leaves RAM disks unencrypted, allowing those with technical chops to get Siri running on their iPhone 4s.
If you own an iPhone 4 and really want Siri on it, a new update has paved the way for you to get your wish.
Apple yesterday launched a new version of its iOS 5.0.1 update that, according to well-known iPhone hacker MuscleNerd, leaves the platform's RAM disks unencrypted. Because of that, those with a little technical know-how can write a script to extract from the software update all the files needed to bring the virtual personal assistant to the iPhone 4.
Apple's update can be automatically downloaded to devices that currently aren't running iOS 5.0.1. Those who are already running the software version will need to download the revised iOS 5.0.1 update from Apple's direct link.
The new method for getting Siri onto the iPhone 4 stands in stark contrast to the other methods folks have used to run the software, including obtaining an iPhone 4S' unique identifier and so-called "validation tokens." Those methods have been viewed as potentially dangerous, since Apple likely wouldn't take kindly to users obtaining another device's files. This new method, on the other hand, uses the user's device files, leaving no doubt of its legality.
Exactly why Apple left ramdisks unencrypted in its latest iOS update is unknown at this point, and it should be interesting to see if they're back to being encrypted in iOS 5.1. But until then, folks hoping to run Siri on the iPhone 4 can download the new iOS 5.0.1 update and get started.
(Via Cult of Mac)