Cydia

Cydia news and information: read the latest development about Cydia, including jailbreak tweaks.

How to Create Your Own Cydia Repo on the iPhone

Alex Heath ∙ September 3, 2011

In the jailbreak store known as Cydia, apps and tweaks are distributed by means of independent repositories. These 'repos' serve as distribution channels for offering Cydia packages to customers from different companies and developers.

While larger repos, like BigBoss, index hundreds and hundreds of Cydia packages for users to install, many smaller repos can tend to clutter up the Cydia experience. If you're interested in creating an independent repo of your favorite tweaks, or hosting your own packages in Cydia, there's an easy way to create your very own Cydia repo right on your iPhone...

30 Awesome Cydia Tweaks [Video Walkthrough]

Alex Heath ∙ August 30, 2011

At iDB we regularly review new Cydia tweaks for jailbroken iDevices. Jeff does a great job of putting together video reviews of cool tweaks, and we love finding the latest packages in Cydia to show you guys.

That being said, we stumbled across a nice video walkthrough of 30 awesome Cydia tweaks. It's worth checking out. Who knows, maybe you'll find something new...

The Cat and Mouse Game Between Apple and Jailbreakers is Only Just Beginning

Alex Heath ∙ August 29, 2011

Following the news that famed jailbreak hacker Comex was hired by Apple, many in the community called it the "beginning of the end" for jailbreakers. Apple is proving to be smarter than everyone thought. If you can't beat 'em, hire 'em, right?

With iOS 5 set for a public release this Fall, the cat and mouse game between Apple and jailbreakers is not over. It's only just beginning...

DashBoard for Maps Brings Heads-up Display to the Maps App

Cody Lee ∙ August 29, 2011

Over the last few weeks, we've seen an increase in interest from jailbreak developers regarding the iOS Maps application. We've seen Speed for Maps, which adds a speedometer to the Maps app, and a Compass tweak that does the same thing.

Now there's is a utility available that will not only tell you how fast you are going and where you're headed, but also display your elevation. It's called DashBoard for Maps, and it just went live in Cydia...

RapidContact: Quickly Dial or Text a Contact

Cody Lee ∙ August 27, 2011

You don't have to be jailbroken very long before you hear about Activator. The popular tweak allows you to initiate frequent tasks with button taps or on-screen gestures.

What's cool about Activator is that it's compatible with hundreds of other Cydia packages, including the one we're going to be discussing here — RapidContact. The tweak allows users to quickly call or text a favorite contact...

Ask Jeff: Episode 04

Jeff Benjamin ∙ August 26, 2011

Folks, we're back with Episode 04 of Ask Jeff. I wanted to thank everyone for all of the great questions; we had over 200 combined questions for Episode 03.

Unfortunately, that means that I didn't get to answer everyone's question, but I still managed to cover quite a few interesting inquiries this go 'round.

Inside, you'll find out how much money I've spent on Cydia tweaks over the years, whether I'd consider switching to Verizon, and what my first Apple product was.

In other words, tune in and prepare your questions; you won't want to miss this...

Saurik, the Creator of Cydia, Files Lawsuit to Win Cydia.com Domain [Updated With Comment From Saurik]

Alex Heath ∙ August 23, 2011

Jay Freeman, better known as Saurik, has filled a lawsuit in the hopes of obtaining rights to the Cydia.com domain name. Saurik owns Saurikit LLC, and he is filing his suit based on trademark infringement.

The owners of Cydia.com have refused to give Saurik rights to the domain in the past, and he proposes a viable complaint that users will be confused by the domain if it does not point to the infamous jailbreak store he created known as Cydia.

QuickMath: Solve Simple Math Problems in Your Spotlight Search Bar

Cody Lee ∙ August 22, 2011

If you happen to be a Mac user, you'll probably be able to guess where the inspiration for this next tweak came from. QuickMath enables you to calculate simple math equations in your Spotlight search bar.

If you've been looking for a good reason to use that screen that sits to the left of the default homescreen, you might want to check out QuickMath. It will add some value to your Spotlight screen, literally...

FunnyCaller: Customize Caller ID for Incoming Calls

Cody Lee ∙ August 21, 2011

If you've had an iPhone (or any smartphone) over the last few years, chances are you've seen Caller ID spoofing. Basically, it's an app that will change your outbound Caller ID information when making a phone call.

But most of the apps for the iPhone are sketchy, and usually require money after the first few calls. Luckily, infamous jailbreak developer moeseth has created a similar tweak to help feed your inner prankster...

Alphacon Jailbreak Tweak Makes Your App Icon Labels Disappear

Cody Lee ∙ Updated August 29, 2011

Have you ever wondered what your iDevice's springboard would look like if your icons didn't have any labels? Think of how much less cluttered your home screen would feel without all of that text.

There are already packages in Cydia that could help you go label-free, but there's a new kid on the block. Alphacon allows you to change the transparency level of your icon labels, or make them disappear all together...

LockLyrics: Display Song Lyrics on Your LockScreen

Cody Lee ∙ August 21, 2011

In continuing with the lockscreen tweak trend we've been seeing lately, here's LockLyrics. This jailbreak package enables users to view song lyrics on — you guessed it — the lockscreen.

Sure, you can view lyrics for your favorite tracks in the iPod app. There are even utilities that allow you to call up song lyrics with an Activator function. But LockLyrics does have its advantages...

PowerLock: Access System Toggles From Your Lockscreen

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

We've seen a flurry of lockscreen tweaks over the past few weeks. There was StyleUnlock, which adds multitouch gestures to your lockscreen. And then there was FlashCam, which adds quick access to your camera.

Next up on the chopping block is a package called PowerLock. This jailbreak utility adds system toggles to your lockscreen, allowing you to do things like respring and restart your device without unlocking...