Apple has announced it is now accepting applications for the 2026 Security Research Device Program (SRDP). White-hat researchers interested in receiving an iPhone specifically configured for security research can apply until October 31, 2025.
Apple has been providing special “hackable” iPhones to researchers since 2020. As part of the SRDP, specialists receive a device that allows them to analyze iOS security without having to bypass the protection features active on a regular phone.
Program participants get shell access for running any tools, early access to software and security products, and special tools to help with their work.
iPhones distributed under the SRDP are provided to researchers under a 12-month renewable loan agreement and are not intended for personal use.
Apple states that only specialists with a proven track record of successfully discovering security issues on Apple platforms or other modern operating systems and platforms are eligible to participate in the program. For vulnerabilities discovered through the SRDP, researchers may receive rewards under Apple’s bug bounty program.
Although the company rarely shares data about payouts under its bug bounty program, in 2024 Apple reported that it had rewarded more than 100 researchers participating in the SRDP. Several payouts reached $500,000, and the median reward was nearly $18,000.
The Apple SRDP page does not yet specify which iPhone model will be distributed under the 2026 program, but the most likely candidates are the iPhone 16 or the upcoming iPhone 17.