Apple sends hacker-friendly iPhones to researchers to examine iOS for security vulnerabilities Hacker-friendly iPhones will allow researchers to examine the iPhone Operating System (iOS) for security vulnerabilities and report them easily. (Image Source: File/Agencies) Updated: Dec 24, 2020, 01:56 PM IST Apple company has started shipping hacker-friendly iPhones to security researchers who are participating in its Security Research Device (SRD) program. These iPhones will allow researchers to examine the iPhone Operating System (iOS) for security vulnerabilities and report them easily. Researchers will be able to probe these iPhones for the next 12 months, which could be extended by Apple if found necessary. The researchers are expected to report vulnerabilities as soon as they discover them. This effort is a part of Apple's bug bounty program, which awards money to those who report security flaws.