Jeff Benjamin

Jeff has been with iDownloadBlog since 2010, acting as resident video specialist, and tutorial expert. He earned his degree in Computer Network Systems back in 2001, but decided Cisco routers and the like just weren’t for him. Since then, he’s been heavily involved with online writing. He’s written for numerous tech and video game sites since the late 1990′s, and has a knack for explaining things in a simple, clear, and concise manner. Jeff works primarily from the east coast on his Retina Macbook Pro, and shoots video with a Canon DSLR. During downtime he likes to travel the world, visiting the various Apple Stores across the globe. You can email him at jeff [at] idownloadblog.com and follow him on Twitter @JeffBenjam or on Google+.

iOS hackers can’t wait for Apple to release iOS 6.1

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 29, 2013

On January 28th, a mere five days from now, iOS 6.1 beta 4 will expire. If the past is any indication, then Apple will act, either releasing a 5th beta for iOS 6.1, or releasing the iOS 6.1 golden master — a final baked version, which shortly precedes a public release.

Since the firmware expires on the 28th, then I don't see Apple waiting until that day before making a move. The most realistic time period for it to drop a new release — whether it be beta 5 or the golden master — would be tomorrow, the 24th, or Friday, the 25th.

The big question is whether or not Apple decides to push out another beta release, or feels comfortable releasing the golden master (final) version of iOS 6.1. While it's not unheard of for Apple to go more than four releases deep into a beta period — iOS 5, for instance, saw seven different beta releases — it would be only the second time that this has happened for a non-major release.

The reason why the timing is so interesting for us, is because we believe that the hackers working on the iOS 6 jailbreak are waiting for a final version iOS 6.1 to be released, before finishing up and releasing the long awaited jailbreak. How do we know this? They basically told us as much...

The future of jailbreaking is very bright

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Last month, I posted a slightly controversial article entitled: 3 reasons why jailbreaking is waning in popularity. In it, I highlighted several points as to why jailbreaking was on a downturn. In hindsight, although I still stand by the post, I probably should have qualified my reasoning a bit better.

The real reason that jailbreaking is "waning" if you will, is because there simply is no jailbreak available for new devices. The recent bar graph showing jailbroken devices proves as much. I tried to say that, but I don't think it came across that way. Whatever the case may be, it looks as if that primary reason will soon no longer apply.

Hackers pod2g, planetbeing, and others have been working diligently on the iPhone 5/iOS 6 jailbreak for quite some time now. They've made great progress, as highlighted in Mike's post about the collaborative effort.

In fact, things are going so well, that one famous hacker in particular has just proclaimed that the future is looking bright for jailbreaking...

This beautiful iPhone 5 theme does not require a jailbreak

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

Lately I guess you can say we've been on a kind of non-jailbreak kick. With that in mind, we're happy to show you how you can get this awesome looking theme on your iPhone 5 without jailbreaking. The theme is called Black Orbs, and it features 31 different app icons that link to some of the more popular apps on the iPhone.

Obviously, since we have no iPhone 5 jailbreak yet, some compromises had to be made. Unlike WinterBoard, you can't outright replace the look of an app icon with that of another. Instead, the developer of Black Orbs strategically used web clips and an easy to install profile to pull it off. It's certainly not the perfect solution for a true iPhone 5 theme, but you have to admire the work here. Take a look inside as I show you how to install Black Orbs on your iPhone 5.

How to quickly respring your iPhone without jailbreaking

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

It may seem kind of obvious when you think about it, but did you know that you can setup a quick respring shortcut using the Newsstand glitch that we showed you? Basically it involves adding a folder to a folder, which causes the device to crash and respring when trying to open the folder inside the folder.

By establishing this setup permanently, you'll create an easy way to respring at any time. This is despite the fact that the device is not jailbroken. Check out our video tutorial for the full how-to.

The Daily Recap – Jan 21, 2013 edition

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 21, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYaem_rrpjw

Welcome to The Daily Recap for January 21st, 2013. Watch our video for a quick look at some of the top stories from the day in less than two minutes. If you missed out on any of today's big news, this is a great way for you to get caught up fast.

For your convenience, you'll also find links to all of the stories listed in today's recap inside...

How to use Newsstand as an app folder without jailbreaking

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

A new non-jailbreak tweak was recently revealed to us via email, and it involves the ability to place and launch an unlimited amount of apps from the Newsstand folder on iOS 6. Yes, it works perfectly fine with the iPhone 5.

First sent to us by reader, Pim Oomen, the trick involves a little bit of timing and practice. The end result is an infinite scrollable folder that may contain as many apps as you can throw into it.

The nice thing about this trick is that it doesn't rely on any external websites or apps in order to make it work. Take a look at our step-by-step video walkthrough inside to see how easy it is.

‘Auxo’ update adds new toggles, VIP apps, and native Activator support

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the first major update to Auxo has just been finished, and it should be pushed out to Cydia tomorrow. The update brings a whole host of new features to the popular app switching tweak. Included are new toggles, the ability to hide toggles, VIP app designations, native Activator support, and more.

We've landed our mitts on a sneak preview of the update, and we really like what we see. For those of you who felt that the initial version of Auxo didn't bring enough personal customization to the table, then version 1.2 is sure to change your mind.

The Daily Recap – Jan 16, 2013 edition

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 16, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnygQnwVoS4

Welcome to The Daily Recap for January 16th, 2013. Watch our video for a quick look at some of the top stories from the day in less than two minutes. If you missed out on any of today's big news, this is a great way for you to get caught up fast.

For your convenience, you'll also find links to all of the stories listed in today's recap inside...

The Daily Recap – Jan 15, 2013 edition

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 15, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsAsltkGYds

Welcome to The Daily Recap for January 15th, 2013. Watch our video for a quick look at some of the top stories from the day in less than two minutes. If you missed out on any of today's big news, this is a great way for you to get caught up fast.

For your convenience, you'll also find links to all of the stories listed in today's recap inside...

‘Auxo Glasklart’ is one of the first Auxo themes available on Cydia

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Remember Auxo, the jailbreak tweak that reinvigorates iOS' app switcher? You're probably thinking to yourself, 'Jeff, how can I forget?' Well, the team behind Auxo promised that their tweak would be themeable, and while we didn't see any themes to coincide with its release, theme designers are begining to publish their work to Cydia.

One of the first Auxo themes available on Cydia is Auxo Glasklart. Like most themes, it uses WinterBoard as a framework. How do Auxo themes function and feel? Take a look inside as we take Auxo Glasklart for a ride...

‘StatusTab’ lets you access the status bar from within full screen apps

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 4, 2018

If you play a lot of games on your iPhone, then you're probably used to the idea of full screen apps negating the presence of the status bar. If you find that to be annoying, then a new jailbreak tweak entitled StatusTab may interest you. It allows you to sneak a quick peek at the status bar by swiping on the area where the status bar normally resides.

Needless to say, StatusTab is a simple tweak, but the simple tweaks usually end up being some of the best tweaks. Take a look inside, and judge for yourselves.

The Daily Recap – Jan 14, 2013 edition

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 14, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq4TCj5ah64

Welcome to The Daily Recap for January 14th, 2013. Watch our video for a quick look at some of the top stories from the day in less than two minutes. If you missed out on any of today's big news, this is a great way for you to get caught up fast.

For your convenience, you'll also find links to all of the stories listed in today's recap inside...