Apple sending out special, more open iPhones to security researchers The special iPhones should make it easier for researchers to probe iOS for flaws and fix vulnerabilities Apple’s recently announced ‘Apple Security Research Device Program‘ is now sending special research iPhones to security researchers. Back in July, Apple announced the program, which will provide special iPhones equipped with unique code execution and containment policies. These devices will help security researchers hunting for vulnerabilities in the software and hardware. The iPhones are less locked down than the devices sold to consumers but are as close as possible to production phones. Further, the special devices won’t require researchers to jailbreak them to do research.