Welcome to Sandio

A modern jailbreak alternative for iOS that requires no exploits

What is Sandio?

Sandio is a comprehensive jailbreak alternative for iOS developed in response to the decline of traditional jailbreaks on newer iOS versions and devices. Instead of relying on exploits, Sandio leverages clever but lesser-known stock iOS features to provide powerful customization and development capabilities without compromising device security or stability.

Why Sandio Exists

Traditional jailbreaks are largely dead on newer iOS versions and modern devices. The increasing security measures implemented by Apple have made it extremely difficult to find and exploit vulnerabilities. Sandio was created to fill this gap by providing similar functionality through legitimate iOS capabilities.

Important: Sandio is not a traditional jailbreak. It does not use any exploits or vulnerabilities. It only leverages documented and undocumented iOS features that are available to all applications.

Core Features

Terminal Emulator

Full-featured terminal with support for standard Unix commands like wget, sh scripts, cd, ls, mkdir, and more.

Virtual File System

Complete virtual file system where you can run terminal commands, manage files, and execute scripts.

File Manager

Browse, organize, and manage files on your iOS device with an intuitive interface.

File Server

Host a file server on your iOS device accessible from any device on the same network.

SSH & Netcat

Connect to the app via SSH or Netcat for remote access and management.

Package Manager (Packo)

Cydia-style package manager for apps, wallpapers, shortcuts, configuration profiles, and exploit tools.

DEB Extractor

Extract DYLIB files from real jailbreak tweak DEBs for use with IPA injection.

IPA Tweaker

Inject extracted DYLIBs into IPAs at signing time to enable in-app tweaks.

How Sandio Works

Unlike traditional jailbreaks that exploit system vulnerabilities to gain root access, Sandio operates entirely within the iOS sandbox using legitimate APIs and capabilities. This approach has several advantages:

  • No Device Risk: Your device remains in a stock state with no system modifications
  • No Bootloop Risk: Cannot cause system instability or prevent device boot
  • Works on Latest iOS: Compatible with current and future iOS versions
  • Works on All Devices: No device-specific exploits required
  • No Exploit Dependencies: Does not rely on finding new vulnerabilities
  • App Store Compatible: Can potentially be distributed through official channels

What Sandio Can Do

Terminal and Shell Access

Sandio provides a fully functional terminal emulator with support for common Unix utilities. You can execute shell scripts, download files with wget, navigate directories, create files and folders, and perform most command-line operations you would expect from a Unix environment.

File System Management

The virtual file system allows you to manage files and directories within the app's sandbox. You can create complex directory structures, move files, edit text files, and run executables. The file manager provides a graphical interface for these operations, while the terminal offers command-line access.

Network Services

Sandio can host network services accessible from other devices on your local network. This includes a file server that lets you transfer files wirelessly, and SSH/Netcat connectivity for remote terminal access. This makes it easy to work with your iOS device from a computer.

Package Management

The Packo package manager provides a Cydia-like experience for discovering and installing content. You can add custom repositories, browse packages by category, view screenshots and descriptions, and install packages with a single tap. Packages include applications, wallpapers, shortcuts, configuration profiles, and security tools.

Tweak Injection

One of Sandio's most powerful features is the ability to inject jailbreak tweaks into applications. By extracting the DYLIB from a DEB package and injecting it into an IPA at signing time, you can enable tweak functionality within specific apps. This allows you to use many existing jailbreak tweaks without a traditional jailbreak.

Limitations

It is important to understand what Sandio cannot do:

No Springboard Tweaks: Sandio cannot modify the iOS Springboard or system-wide interface because it does not have root access. Tweaks that modify the home screen, status bar, lock screen, or system settings will not work.
  • Sandbox Limitations: All operations are confined to the app's sandbox
  • No System Modifications: Cannot modify system files or settings
  • No Root Access: Does not provide root or superuser privileges
  • App-Specific Tweaks Only: Injected tweaks only work within the modified app
  • No Theme Engine: Cannot apply system-wide themes or icon packs

Supported Package Types

Sandio's Packo package manager supports five distinct package types:

Type Description Use Case
Wallpaper High-quality wallpapers Device customization
Shortcut iOS Shortcuts Automation and productivity
IPA iOS applications Install apps and modified IPAs
Config Profile Configuration profiles VPN, WiFi, email settings
Exploit Tool Security tools Security research and testing

System Requirements

  • iOS Version: iOS 16 or later
  • Device: Any iPhone or iPad
  • Storage: Varies based on packages installed
  • Network: Required for package downloads and updates

Getting Started

  1. Install Sandio on your iOS device
  2. Launch the app and explore the home screen
  3. Open the Terminal to try command-line operations
  4. Use the File Manager to browse your virtual file system
  5. Navigate to Packo to add repositories and install packages
  6. Try the DEB Extractor to extract tweaks from DEB files
  7. Experiment with IPA tweaking to inject extracted tweaks

Use Cases

Development and Testing

Developers can use Sandio's terminal and file system to test scripts, download development tools, and work with files directly on their iOS device. The SSH access makes it easy to work remotely from a computer.

Customization

While limited compared to a full jailbreak, Sandio still offers significant customization options through wallpapers, shortcuts, configuration profiles, and in-app tweaks.

Security Research

Security researchers can use Sandio's terminal and tools to analyze applications, test network configurations, and perform security assessments without requiring a traditional jailbreak.

File Management

The file server and manager make it easy to transfer files between your iOS device and other devices on your network, eliminating the need for iTunes or cloud services.

About the Developer

Sandio is developed by GeoSn0w, an iOS security researcher and developer known for work in the jailbreak community.

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