How to Upgrade to iOS 5 Today, Without Any Developer Account

Since its announcement at WWDC 2011 on Monday, iOS 5 has only been available to developers. In one day, an Apple fan found a workaround. Photo: Jim Merithew/Wired.com

by Jesus Diaz, Gizmodo

One day and iOS 5 has been hacked already. Gizmodo reader and Apple lover Mert Erdir has discovered how to upgrade to iOS 5 without developer accounts, using a simple backdoor. Everyone can do it following these extremely simple instructions:

The method exploits a security flaw in the activation screen, apparently related to the Voice Over system. Here’s how to do it.

Warning: While this operation should be simple and inconsequential, we are not responsible for what you do to your iOS device. Proceed at your own risk.

1. Download the iOS 5 IPSW file from the web (it’s easy and readily available. Just Google it and torrent it down).

2. Update your iPhone using iTunes. To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer, click on the Check for Update button with the Option (Mac) or Shift (PC) key pressed. Select the iOS 5 IPSW file from the place you downloaded it to.

3. Wait until it upgrades. A new activation screen will appear.

Activate iOS 5

1. Triple click the home button. This will activate the Voice Over.

2. Triple click the home button and Emergency Call will appear.

3. Click on Emergency Call and, while it’s switching, swipe with your three fingers down.

4. The Notification Center will appear!

5. Click on the Weather widget. The Weather app will load.

6. Click on the home button to exit to the iPhone’s springboard.

That’s it. Your phone is activated and fully operative. Enjoy and thank Mert Erdir for this clever link. He has these words to say:

My will is not to do something harmful to anyone, I just wanted to get the attention of Apple, the company I’m in love with; and maybe one day have a chance to talk to/meet Steve Jobs himself. You can reach me on Twitter for further questions.

I found this because I don’t have much cash to get an IOS Developer account, so donations for a young developer will be appreciated. They can be made on my blog (not in english). You’ll see the PayPal donate button on the right. Thanks!

So send the kid some dollars so he can become a pro developer. With his patience and creativity finding this iOS 5 backdoor, I’m sure he will do a great job.