NOTE: Older iOS versions are not necessarily guaranteed to function as Apple may or may not be signing the IPSW version any longer. The newest available versions of iPhone IPSW can be downloaded here, or follow continuously updated IPSW posts here including that which is available for other iDevices.

The firmware files can be quite large (600MB in some cases) so don’t be surprised if it takes a while to download. It’s easiest to just right-click on the file you want and save it directly, some users experience trouble with Safari when directly clicking the download URL.

If you are unsure of the type of iPhone, here is how to check if an iPhone is a GSM or CDMA model. Use that information to download the appropriate IPSW for the device.

iOS 4.2 was released as iOS 4.2.1 and this IPSW reflects that:

iOS 4.2.6 IPSW is thus far only intended for CDMA iPhone 4 models:

iOS 4.3 supports iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS:

We will update this list when new IPSW releases become available.

Any iPhone IPSW files that you have already downloaded from iTunes are stored locally on your machine. You can access these directly at the following locations:

Mac OS X: ~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates

Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

Windows Vista & Windows 7: \Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

The IPSW acronym is thought to stand for iPhone Software. IPSW files are essentially just packages to deliver updates to your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch including the baseband and firmware. Anytime you update your device iTunes will grab a new IPSW from Apple’s servers. People are generally concerned with IPSW files for either exploration into the workings of iOS and the iPhone, or for jailbreaking and unlocking purposes.

You can find out how to use IPSW files if you are uncertain.

IPSW files are most pertinent to Pwnage since you can use a custom IPSW file if you wanted to. You can download PwnageTool if you need it. Redsn0w works as well but may require a tethered jailbreak for some iOS versions.

Recent rulings have ensured that jailbreaking your iPhone is not illegal, although Apple maintains that it will void your warranty. For this reason if you ever need iPhone warranty service, be sure to unjailbreak your iPhone before taking it into Apple. There are mixed reports of Apple caring and not being concerned that phones are jailbroken, but your mileage may vary and it’s best to play it safe.