Nugget: Customize Your iPhone Without Jailbreak (iOS 17 to 26)
Nugget is a free, open-source computer program that customizes an iPhone or iPad without a jailbreak: animated wallpapers, status bar changes, hidden settings and disabling system services. It works by writing settings files through the iOS backup-restore system, using exploits that Apple has been closing one iOS version at a time. Before anything else, know this: Nugget’s developer says do not use it on iOS 27, because it “will most likely result in data loss”. This guide explains what Nugget does, which iOS versions are safe to use it on, and how to use it carefully. Facts are from Nugget’s own GitHub page. Last checked: October 27, 2026.
The Short Version
- Nugget is made by leminlimez, open source (AGPL-3.0), with about 7,400 GitHub stars. The latest release in October 2026 was v7.4.1 (September 24, 2026).
- It runs on a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux), not on the iPhone. You connect the iPhone with a cable.
- iOS 27: do not use it. The project says Apple patched the partial-restore method Nugget uses, and the release notes say iOS 27 is not supported.
- Most features work on iOS 17.0 to 26. The deeper “Mobile Gestalt” tweaks, such as Dynamic Island on any iPhone, only work up to iOS 26.1 and “will never be supported” on iOS 26.2 and later.
- Back up your iPhone first. The developer writes: “Nugget may cause unforeseen problems… We are not responsible for any damage done to your device.”
Which iOS Versions Work
| iOS version | What works |
|---|---|
| 17.0 to 26.1 | All features, incl. Mobile Gestalt |
| 26.2 to 26.x | Most features, no Mobile Gestalt or AI Enabler |
| 27 | Do not use (data loss risk) |
Nugget uses two methods: Sparserestore on iOS 17.0 to 18.1.1 and BookRestore on iOS 18.2 to 26.1. Some features have their own limits, for example the EU Enabler only works up to iOS 17.6. To check your version, open Settings > General > About. If you are deciding whether to update, our guide on how iOS updates affect sideloaded apps covers the trade-offs.
What Nugget Can Change
From the project’s feature list (iOS 17.0 to 26 unless noted):
- PosterBoard: animated wallpapers, including community wallpapers and wallpapers made from your own videos
- Status bar: carrier name, signal bars, battery display, time text, and showing or hiding icons
- SpringBoard options: Lock Screen footnote, auto-lock time, no dimming while charging, no low-battery alerts
- Internal options: build version in the status bar, showing touches, debug options in some Apple apps
- Disable Liquid Glass on iOS 26
- Disable daemons: system services such as OTA updates, Game Center, Screen Time, Tips, Spotlight and others
- Mobile Gestalt (iOS 17.0 to 26.1 only): Dynamic Island on any device, Always-On Display on any device, Stage Manager, Charge Limit, boot chime, disabling the shutter sound
- AI Enabler and device spoofing (iOS 18.1 to 26.1)
The Risks
Data loss on unsupported versions
Nugget writes files through the restore system. On a version where that method is patched, such as iOS 27, the project warns it will most likely result in data loss. Check your iOS version every time before you use it, especially after an update.
Some tweaks can cause problems
The project labels several options itself: enabling iPadOS on iPhones is “use at your own risk”, Internal Storage info “might cause problems on some devices”, Always-On Display on unsupported devices “may cause burn in”, and disabling thermalmonitord (the service that manages heat) sits under “Risky (Hidden) Options”. Disabling daemons also turns off what they do: disabling OTAd affects over-the-air system updates, disabling iCloud or VPN services affects those features.
Fake downloads
Popular tools attract copies with malware. Download Nugget only from the Releases page of the leminlimez/Nugget project on GitHub.
How to Use Nugget Safely
Before you start
- Check your iOS version. Do not continue on iOS 27.
- Make a full backup of the iPhone with your computer (Finder on a Mac, Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows), or check that iCloud Backup is up to date.
- On Windows, install the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store or iTunes from Apple. On Linux, install usbmuxd and libimobiledevice.
Install and run Nugget
- Download the release for your computer from the project’s GitHub Releases page: there are builds for Windows, macOS (Apple silicon and Intel) and Linux. You can also run it from the Python source, which needs Python 3.9 or newer.
- Connect the iPhone with a USB cable, unlock it and tap Trust if asked.
- Open Nugget, choose the tweaks you want and apply them. Start with one or two simple changes, not everything at once.
Mobile Gestalt tweaks (iOS 26.1 and earlier)
For these, Nugget may need a settings file specific to your device. The project’s steps: install Apple’s Shortcuts app, run the “Save MobileGestalt” shortcut linked on Nugget’s GitHub page, send the file to your computer and give it to Nugget. Never use a MobileGestalt file from another device.
Nugget vs Sideloading Tools
Nugget does not install apps. It changes system settings. To install apps that are not on the App Store you need a sideloading tool, which is a different job; see our free sideloading tools compared. A jailbreak can do much more, with bigger risks; see is jailbreaking worth it in 2026.
FAQ
Is Nugget free?
Yes. It is free and open source (AGPL-3.0).
Does Nugget need a jailbreak?
No. It runs on a computer and works on a normal iPhone, within the iOS versions it supports.
Does Nugget work on iOS 27?
No. The developer warns against using it on iOS 27 because Apple patched the method it uses, and data loss is likely.
Can I get Dynamic Island on an older iPhone?
Only on iOS 17.0 to 26.1, through the Mobile Gestalt tweaks. On iOS 26.2 and later it is not possible with Nugget.
Can Nugget enable EU sideloading outside the EU?
No. The project notes that disabling region restrictions “does not include enabling EU sideloading outside the EU”, and its EU Enabler only works up to iOS 17.6.
How do I undo a tweak?
If a tweak causes problems, restore the backup you made before you started. Check the project’s GitHub page and issues for how to remove a specific tweak.