Earlier this week, Snapchat released a major update to its image-based messaging services with the same name. The update adds a few minor tweaks in different areas of the app such as the Snap timer, while the main highlight of the release are the trio of new features, namely Trophies, Paid Replays and Selfie lenses. Out of all the new content, users are inarguably most excited about the Snapchat selfies lenses. The advanced facial recognition technology used for the feature can be attributed to the start-up Looksery, which the company reportedly purchased for $150 million.
You can choose from a selection of 7 lenses which can add a lot of flair to all your selfies. Using the facial recognition tech, the app detects your face and applies animated filters to it while tracking your face movement. You can puke rainbows and even become a cyborg thanks to the new lenses. The response to selfies lenses has been nothing short of spectacular. We’re sure anyone with Snapchat will agree that animated selfies have completely overtaken their Snap Story feed.
Unfortunately, Snapchat’s selfies lenses can’t be used on older iOS devices such as the iPhone 4s, iPhone 4 and iPad Mini among others. The company has cited performance constraints as the reason behind the lack of support. Well, fret not, as a Reddit user, Neo399, has figured out a way to make the selfies lenses work on any iOS device, no matter how old. Here’s how:
How To Get Snapchat Selfie Lenses on iPhone 4s, iPhone 4 and iPad Mini
Note: Since Apple doesn’t allow users to edit system files, you’ll need to have a jail-broken device for the following guide to work. The current jailbreak is available for iOS 8.4, so if you’re rocking that firmware, simply download the TaiG jailbreak tool to free your device from the company’s shackles.
Step 1: Open the Cydia application and search for the tweak Flex 2.
Step 2: On the tweak page, press Install and then Confirm to install the tweak.
Step 3: Once the tweak has been installed, restart the Springboard and then launch Flex from the Home Screen.
Step 4: Navigate to the Patches tab and press the Plus icon. You’ll be presented with a list of all your available applications. Locate Snapchat from the list and tap on the icon.
Step 5: In the subsequent screen, tap on Snapchat once again and allow the prompt asking you for permission to process the application.
Step 6: You’ll be redirected to a list of variables available within the Snapchat application. Locate the following values and override them with the ones mentioned:
-(BOOL)isIphone6 - TRUE
-(BOOL)isLowEndModel - FALSE
-(BOOL)isIphone4OrEarlier - FALSE
-(BOOL)isIphone - TRUE
-(BOOL)isIphone:(id) - TRUE (only for BOOL parameter)
-(BOOL)isSlowDevice - FALSE
-(BOOL)areLensesSupported – TRUE
Save the patch and then apply it. Close the Flex application and then reboot your iOS device. Once the device reboot, Snapchat will have the selfie filters available. Keep in mind that you’re bound to see some slowdown in the Snapchat app while using the selfies filters due to the outdated hardware. This is precisely the reason why the company decided not to add support for these devices, but there’s no harm in testing them out. To revert Snapchat back to normal, just disable the patch from Flex.