SHSH blob (original) (raw)

A SHSH blob (based on the acronyms for signed hash and binary large object; also called ECID SHSH, referring to the device's ECID, a unique identification number embedded in its hardware) is an unofficial term referring to the digital signatures that Apple generates and uses to personalize IPSW firmware files for each iOS device. They are part of Apple's protocol designed to ensure that trusted software is installed on the device, generally only allowing the newest iOS version to be installable. Apple's public name for this process is System Software Authorization (formerly called System Software Personalization before iOS 7).