- Offline Device Offers Automatic Encrypted iPhone Backups Without iCloud
- Linux-based hardware syncs data locally using USB and open source tools
- The project favors control and transparency, but requires practical configuration and technical capacity.
If you’re an iPhone owner and want to back up your content locally without cloud storage services or recurring fees, a small open source project might be what you’re looking for, although it requires dedication and technical know-how.
The iOS Backup Machine project on GitHub focuses on a compact Linux device that creates automatic local backups when an iPhone is connected via USB. Prevents wireless syncing and keeps data away from external servers.
The system uses libimobiledevice to activate encrypted backups without requiring user interaction after initial setup. Once an iPhone is connected, the process begins on its own and ends unless the cable is removed.
Not for everyone
Backup progress and messages appear on a small e-ink screen mounted on the device. At startup, the screen can also display owner information, such as a phone number, which remains visible even after a power outage.
The encryption is based on the iPhone’s built-in mechanisms. The resulting backup files are not readable on their own, although they can be used to restore a device or set up a replacement phone.
The project is designed around a Radxa Zero 3W board running Armbian and Python scripts.
A separate microSD card is used for backup storage, keeping it isolated from the operating system.
To reduce the risk of corruption, the design combines the system with a small uninterruptible power supply. If battery levels drop or power goes out, the device performs a controlled shutdown and safely pauses backup.
Logs are stored locally and any errors are displayed directly on the screen. When idle, the screen cycles through the last backup result, timestamp, disk usage, and owner details.
Assembly requires several commercially available components and a 3D printed case. Users should follow the setup instructions and be very comfortable working with Linux-based tools.
Future updates discussed by the developer include selective device filtering, optional network reporting, and limited Internet access via USB.
For now, the project is aimed at users who value control and are willing to trade convenience for local ownership.
Through Hack a day
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