Modifying an IPSW (iOS/iPadOS Software) file is a niche process typically used for customizing firmware or jailbreaking older Apple devices. Because IPSW files are essentially renamed ZIP archives, they can be opened and edited with standard tools, though Apple's security signing makes installing these modified files on modern devices extremely difficult 1. Understanding the IPSW Structure
[Question] a dumb question: can we modify ipsw file? : r/jailbreak modify ipsw file
Why can't you just edit a file inside the IPSW and restore it? Apple employs a Shallow Root of Trust: Modifying an IPSW (iOS/iPadOS Software) file is a
Forensics and Research: Security researchers modify firmware to enable verbose booting or to inject debugging tools into the file system. Tools Required for Modifying IPSW Files : r/jailbreak 2
For these newer devices, modification is typically done on-the-fly (via kernel patching) rather than through pre-modified IPSW files.