A while ago, we introduced an innovative mechanism that enabled access to parts of the file system for latest-generation Apple devices. The process we called “partial extraction” relied on a weak exploit that, at the time, did not allow a full sandbox escape. We’ve been working to improve the process, slowly lifting the “partial” tag from iOS 15 devices. Today, we are introducing a new, enhanced low-level extraction mechanism that enables full file system extraction for the iOS 16 through 16.3.1 on all devices based on Apple A12 Bionic and newer chips.

Just before the turn of the year, we’ve made an important update to Elcomsoft iOS Forensic Toolkit, a low-level iOS file system extraction and keychain decryption tool. The update brings checkm8 support to iOS, iPadOS and tvOS 16.2 devices, and enables agent-based low-level extraction of iOS 15.5. We’ve also fixed what’s been long broken: the ability to sideload the extraction agent from Windows PCs, yet the two updates are delivered in different branches. Sounds confusing? We’re here to solve it for you.

The newly released iOS Forensic Toolkit 8.0 delivers forensically sound checkm8 extraction powered with a command-line interface. The new user experience offers full control over the extraction process, yet mastering the right workflow may become a challenge for those unfamiliar with command-line tools. In this quick-start guide we will lay out the steps required to perform a clean, forensically sound extraction of a compatible iPhone or iPad device.

iOS 16 brings many changes to mobile forensics. Users receive additional tools to control the sharing and protection of their personal information, while forensic experts will face tighter security measures. In this review, we’ll talk about the things in iOS 16 that are likely to affect the forensic workflow.