If you’ve been waiting for the Apple TV 3′s jailbreak, don’t hold your breath. According to a recent post from Pod2g, the project has been abandoned. The post says that Pod2g is not currently working on the project, nor is anyone he’s aware of. This means that homebrew software like third-party plugins, interface overhauls, and XMBC can not run directly on the Apple TV 3.
The third generation Apple TV remains the only iOS device that has not been jailbroken to date. The most recent jailbreak for 5.1.1 supposedly would have been compatible with the Apple TV 3 if there were a way to inject the code. It’s been particularly difficult to find an Apple TV 3 exploit since there are less services running compared to other iOS devices, which mean less possible points of entry. The Apple TV 2 had a lucky break with Geohot’s LimeRa1n exploit, which targets flaws at the hardware level for an injection point instead of picking at the software processes. We have yet to see a similar attack for any devices running on the the A5 archetecture.
Back in May, FireCore (the developers behind aTV Flash and the Seas0nPass Apple TV 2 jailbreaks) claimed that support for the ATV3 was in the works, though they did not specify if this was their own staff or what they had heard in the homebrew developer’s community. They have made no announcements to the contrary, and even posted some technical information about the Apple TV 3 three days ago. We have asked FireCore about their support for the Apple TV 3 in light of Pod2g’s recent statement and are waiting on a reply.
With the introduction of AirPlay mirroring, making more content available on the Apple TV 3 may be less of a priority as Macs, iPads, and iPhones can take over the duty, leaving the Apple TV to act as a wireless receiver.
A previous message from FireCore, as of May.
Do you need a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3 or is it a low priority when you can use AirPlay to bring all your content to the TV? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.