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Apple iPhone SE (1st generation) (apple-n69)

From postmarketOS Wiki

A mainline fork for this device is available here with further instructions here. Still needs to be tested and ported properly to postmarketOS, at least get the rootfs flashed or booted effectively with a GUI desktop environment.

Apple iPhone SE (1st generation)
1st gen 2016 iPhone SE on postmarketOS debug-shell
1st gen 2016 iPhone SE on postmarketOS debug-shell
Manufacturer Apple
Name iPhone SE (1st generation)
Codename apple-n69
Model A1662, A1723, A1724
Released 2016
Type handset
Hardware
Chipset Apple A9 (APL0898)
CPU 2x 1.8 GHz Twister
GPU PowerVR GT7600
Display 4 inch 16:9, 640x1136 60 Hz IPS LCD, 24 Bit (16777216 colors)
Storage 16/32/6/128 GB NVMe + USB OTG
Memory 2 GB LPDDR4
Architecture aarch64
Software
Original software
The software and version the device was shipped with.
iOS 9.3.2
Extended version
The most recent supported version from the manufacturer.
iOS 15.8.5
FOSS bootloader yes
postmarketOS
Pre-built images
Whether pre-built images are available from the postmarketOS Installation page.
no
Mainline
Instead of a Linux kernel fork, it is possible to run (Close to) Mainline.
no
pmOS kernel
The kernel version that runs on the device's port.
6.17.0-rc1
Features
Flashing
Whether it is possible to flash the device with pmbootstrap flasher.
Broken
USB Networking
After connecting the device with USB to your PC, you can connect to it via telnet (initramfs) or SSH (booted system).
Works
Internal storage
eMMC, SD cards, UFS...
Untested
Battery
Whether charging and battery level reporting work.
Untested
Screen
Whether the display works; ideally with sleep mode and brightness control.
Partial
Touchscreen
Untested
Multimedia
3D Acceleration
Untested
Audio
Audio playback, microphone, headset and buttons.
Untested
Camera
Untested
Camera Flash
Untested
Connectivity
WiFi
Untested
Bluetooth
Untested
GPS
Untested
NFC
Near Field Communication
Untested
Modem
Calls
Untested
SMS
Untested
Mobile data
Untested
Miscellaneous
FDE
Full disk encryption and unlocking with unl0kr.
Untested
USB OTG
USB On-The-Go or USB-C Role switching.
Untested
HDMI/DP
Video and audio output with HDMI or DisplayPort.
Untested
Sensors
Accelerometer
Handles automatic screen rotation in many interfaces.
Untested
Magnetometer
Sensor to measure the Earth's magnetism
Untested
Ambient Light
Measures the light level; used for automatic screen dimming in many interfaces.
Untested
Proximity
Untested
Hall Effect
Measures magnetic fields; usually used as a flip cover sensor
Untested
Haptics
Untested
Barometer
Sensor to measure air pressure
Untested
Power Sensor
Sensor to monitor current, voltage and power. Not fuel gauge!
Untested



Introduction

Realeased in March of 2016, this was the first of three iPhone SE generations. It includes a Apple A9 SoC that is also found in the iPhone 6s from 2014, inside a iPhone 5s housing. All 5s peripherals should be compatible with this one. The device codename appears to be "iPhone8,4".

Warning WARNING: Checkra1n (using checkm8 exploit in BootROM) currently is the only way to boot a custom operating system on it. This method can be unreliable and cannot flash to NVMe!

Contributors

Maintainer(s)

  • GamerBoy1234294 (maintaining this page and attempting to port postmarketOS)

Users owning this device

  • Lxpanel
  • Madhaxbro (Notes: A1723, runs IOS 15.8. Using a ~4Ah Li-Ion cell with aftermarket BMS. Original battery is weak but also works. Has checkm8 vulnerability. UI has funny bugs. It is present. Could be compatible with the generic iDevice port.)



Model variants

iPhone SE (1st generation) (2016) "iPhone8,4?"

  • A1662 (US?) - Locked! Compatible?
  • A1723 (Global/Sprint) - Locked! Compatible?
  • A1724 (China, China Mobile) - Locked! Compatible?

Boot modes

Warning WARNING: USB-C to Lightning cables never work properly throughout the whole process, only USB-A cables!

Recovery (iTunes) - hold Home during boot

DFU mode - connect the device to a USB host, then power off the device, then hold Power for 3 seconds, then hold Home+Power for 8 seconds, then release Power but keep holding Home for 10 seconds - execute $ lsusb on a connected USB host, a new device including the text (DFU Mode) should appear

Notice Your display should remain black. If the Apple logo appears you will have to redo the steps above.

Hard reset - hold Home+Power

Installation

Flashing

/* Coming soon! */

Battery

This device uses 1624 mAh Li-Ion batteries. They include two pull tabs that are visible on the bottom edge, for removing the adhesive. It is recommened to remove the speaker first. Carefully pull them out horizontally, applying slight upwards pressure. If they break, you will need the usual methods for glued batteries.

Note Note: After reconnecting the BMS, this board requires a USB power source for the first boot. Something? may confuse it, does not happen every time.

Battery variants

  • 616-00107? (A1723, ?) - Compatible.

BMS

The BMS is designed for 3.82V Li-Ion cells. It has a built in battery health counter that is often missing or faked on aftermarket ones.

Note Note: It can be programmed using a special device, most batteries' data is therefore untrustworthy.

Charger

Untested.

Fuelguage

Untested.

See also

This is the minimal list of dependencies required to boot postmarketOS with debug shell from the initramfs:

Notes

  • The iPhone SE comprises the Apple A9 SoC, similar to the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPad (5th generation, 2017).

Useful software

Firmware tools

Packages

Links

Specifications