Free iPhone 14 Pro: Apple Taking Applications Now, But There’s A Catch

Apple opens free iPhone 14 Pro application process for security researchers

If you want a free iPhone 14 Pro, with no carrier contract locking you in for 12 or 24 months, your legal options are pretty limited. If you want that iPhone so as to be able to hack iOS while using it, however, Apple is now offering just that opportunity. But you’ll need to be quick; applications close on October 31. You will also need to meet a bunch of eligibility criteria. Here’s what you need to know.

As part of Apple’s claim that the iPhone is “the world’s most secure consumer mobile device,” it created the Apple Security Research Device Program. This acknowledges that the security protections in place make it hard for security researchers to get started when looking for iOS vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit.

The Apple SRD is a custom iPhone 14 Pro that enables researchers to look for ways to hack iOS without having to bypass those built-in security features. What this means is that this particular iPhone 14 Pro is fully hackable by those with the requisite skills to find new iOS vulnerabilities. It provides shell access, for example, and even the ability to mess around with the kernel. Any vulnerabilities found must be reported to Apple and will be eligible for financial reward as part of the Apple Security Bounty program.

Such a device is a valuable item, especially if it were to fall into the wrong hands. So, you won’t be surprised to learn there are strict guidelines regarding usage, as well as who is eligible to apply for a 12-month free iPhone 14 Pro loaner.

When it comes to eligibility, applicants must already have had success when it comes to vulnerability research. This success can be on Apple platforms or other operating systems such as Android, for example. You can’t have been employed by Apple within the previous 12 months or be a current employee. Finally, there’s a list of countries which Apple will accept applications from, and you will need to be “the legal age of majority” for your country, which usually means 18 or above.

As far as usage goes, the hackable iPhone can only be used in a controlled security research setting. Personal use is forbidden, as is it being used as a daily carry device. Indeed, the agreement that you need to sign will demand that the phone stays on the premises of the applicant at all times. All vulnerabilities must also be reported to both Apple and any third party if it relates to such code, promptly.

So, if you meet all of these criteria, you can apply for a free iPhone 14 Pro here. But you’ll need to do so before October 31, and there’s no guarantee you will be successful. Apple vets all applicants thoroughly, and only a limited number of SRDs are available. If you are approved, though, the device remains the property of Apple and is provided on a renewable 12-month loan basis.