The goal of the program is to further improve the security of iOS!
In July, Apple announced the launch of the new Apple Security Research Device Program. Apple is creating a new program which will provide security professionals with special versions of iPhones equipped with unique code execution policies to support security research.
Yesterday Apple confirmed that the first such smartphones have already been sent to addressees. The program will provide participating security researchers with iPhones on a one-year lease, although leases can be renewed.
The goal of the program is to further improve the security of iOS. Apple believes the contributions of security researchers will help the company achieve its goal of making its operating system more secure. Apple says it appreciates the work of these professionals.
These iPhones are not as secure against the execution of third-party applications as consumer devices, making it easier to detect serious security vulnerabilities. At the same time, the devices are as close as possible to serial phones with the latest version of iOS. Experts will not need to jailbreak their phones to do research, which will allow them to explore the platform’s security features. They will be able to use any software tool to test the OS.
Program members have access to extensive documentation and a dedicated forum with Apple engineers for collaboration. The Security Appliance Research Program works in conjunction with the Vulnerability Bounty Program, so researchers who discover vulnerabilities can receive payments of up to $1.5 million.
Source: MacRumors