Phoenix Jailbreak [iOS 9.3.5 or iOS 9.3.6]
If you’re still using a classic iPhone 4s, iPad 2, or other older Apple devices stuck on iOS 9.3.5 or 9.3.6, you might feel left behind by the modern jailbreak scene. But thankfully, Phoenix Jailbreak is still alive and well, offering a reliable way to install Cydia, customize your device, and breathe new life into outdated hardware.
Originally developed by legendary jailbreakers like Siguza and tihmstar, Phoenix Jailbreak was built specifically for 32-bit iOS devices, before Apple shifted to 64-bit-only systems. However, Phoenix is limited in scope and no longer actively updated, which leaves many users seeking safer, simpler, and more modern alternatives.
That’s where zJailbreak steps in. Whether you’re on iOS 9, iOS 12, or even the latest iOS 18.6.2 & iOS 26 beta, zJailbreak offers a streamlined way to install jailbreak-like features, including themes, tweaks, Cydia alternatives, and more, without complex tools or a computer.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Phoenix Jailbreak, and then look at why zJailbreak is now the recommended option for most users, both on older and newer iOS versions.
What is Phoenix Jailbreak?
Phoenix Jailbreak is a semi-untethered jailbreak tool designed exclusively for 32-bit devices running iOS 9.3.5 or 9.3.6. Released in 2017, it brought back full customization and tweak access for users stuck on legacy hardware that Apple no longer supports.
Supported Devices
- iPhone 4s
- iPhone 5 (only 32-bit model)
- iPad 2, 3rd gen, and 4th gen
- iPad Mini (1st gen)
- iPod Touch 5G
Phoenix installs Cydia, allowing you to access thousands of system tweaks, themes, and third-party apps that are not available on the App Store.
How to Install Phoenix Jailbreak (Step-by-Step)
While Phoenix remains functional, its installation process is somewhat outdated and not as user-friendly as modern solutions like zJailbreak. Here’s how it works:
Requirements:
- A 32-bit iOS device on iOS 9.3.5 or iOS 9.3.6
- A computer (Mac or Windows)
- Phoenix IPA file
- Cydia Impactor or AltStore (to sideload the IPA)
Installation Guide:
- Download the Phoenix Jailbreak IPA from a trusted source.
- Connect your device to your computer and open Cydia Impactor or AltStore.
- Drag and drop the IPA into the tool and sign in with your Apple ID to sideload it.
- After installation, go to Settings > General > Device Management and trust the app’s certificate.
- Open the Phoenix app and tap “Prepare For Jailbreak.”
- After the process completes and your device reboots, Cydia will appear.
Important: Phoenix is semi-untethered, which means you’ll need to re-run the app every time your device restarts.
Key Features of Phoenix Jailbreak
- Fully supports iOS 9.3.5 and 9.3.6 (32-bit only)
- Installs Cydia with full tweak support
- Built by trusted developers from the jailbreak community
- Simple app-based interface
- No permanent system modifications (semi-untethered)
While Phoenix does its job well for older devices, it’s clearly a solution for a very specific audience. If you’re using a newer iPhone or iPad, or if you want a more user-friendly and up-to-date solution, zJailbreak is the tool to look at.
Why zJailbreak Is the Best Alternative to Phoenix Jailbreak
zJailbreak is a powerful jailbreak alternative that works across almost all iOS versions, including the very latest ones like iOS 18.6.2 & iOS 26 beta. Unlike Phoenix, it doesn’t require a computer, sideloading, or certificate trusting—and it works even on the newest iPhones and iPads.
It’s especially valuable for users looking for Phoenix-like customization options but don’t want to deal with outdated tools or risk bricking their device.
Key Features of zJailbreak:
- Works on iOS 10 through iOS 18.6.2 and iOS 26 (beta)
- Compatible with all modern iPhones and iPads (including iPhone 15 series)
- No PC or Mac required — install directly via Safari
- Access to Cydia & Sileo alternatives
- Install themes, emulators, third-party app stores, and tweaks
- 100% safe and reversible — no deep system changes
- Regularly updated with new content and app integrations
What Can You Do with zJailbreak?
zJailbreak offers a suite of tools that replicate or even improve upon what Phoenix Jailbreak provided—especially for users on newer firmware.
Customize Your iPhone using repo extractors like Redensa, Sileem, Zeon or virtual jailbreak methods
Install themes and icon packs using tools like iNifty, Ela Theme, Flemino, or Dream Store.
Access Third-Party App Stores:
Download apps that Apple doesn’t allow through stores like Tweak Store, zAppStore, and AppDB.
Install Emulators and Game Tools:
Play retro games with emulators like GBA4iOS, Delta, and Happy Chick—all without jailbreaking.
Get Jailbreak-Like Tools:
Access system tweaks, pseudo-jailbreak apps, and customization tools through zJailbreak add-ons.
Why Phoenix Isn’t Enough Today
While Phoenix Jailbreak works as advertised, it’s simply no longer relevant for most users. It only supports a handful of old devices and requires a semi-untethered setup with manual reactivation on every reboot.
In contrast, zJailbreak delivers a richer, more modern experience—without the hassle.
If you’re on:
- iOS 10 – iOS 14: zJailbreak gives you direct access to tools like Cydia alternatives, themes, and game apps.
- iOS 15 – iOS 16.7.10: Use zJailbreak to install modern tweaks, jailbreak emulators, and iOS customization apps—without system risk.
- iOS 17 – iOS 18.6.2 & iOS 26 beta: zJailbreak is currently the best non-jailbreak customization solution for the latest iPhones and iPads.
Other Jailbreak Tools (Optional for Specific iOS Versions)
If you’re still curious about full jailbreak solutions for different iOS versions, here are a few to consider:
iOS 10 – iOS 10.3.3:
- H3lix Jailbreak – Like Phoenix, but for other 32-bit devices on iOS 10.
- Meridian Jailbreak – Works on 64-bit iOS 10.x devices.
iOS 11 – iOS 14:
iOS 15 – iOS 15.4.1:
- Dopamine Jailbreak and Fugu15 Max are options for developers and advanced users.
iOS 16 – iOS 16.4.1 & iPadOS 17-18.1:
- Palera1n works only on certain devices and requires a Mac/Linux.
Final Thoughts: Phoenix vs. zJailbreak
Phoenix Jailbreak is a great legacy tool for older devices, but it’s severely limited in 2025. It only works for a small number of outdated iPhones and iPads on iOS 9.3.5 – iOS 9.3.6, and requires regular re-jailbreaking.
On the other hand, zJailbreak stands out as a future-proof, flexible solution. It brings jailbreak-style freedom to all iOS versions—including the latest—without the risks of traditional jailbreaking. It’s safe, simple, and doesn’t require technical experience or even a computer.
👉 Ready to Explore What Your iPhone Can Really Do?
If you’re looking for a better, modern alternative to Phoenix Jailbreak—whether you’re on an old or new iOS version—download zJailbreak and unlock customization the easy way.