Phone unlocking firm Cellebrite to acquire mobile testing startup Corellium for $170M

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its mobile security offerings, Cellebrite, a prominent player in smartphone unlocking technology, has announced its acquisition of mobile testing startup Corellium for a total of $170 million in cash, which includes $20 million in equity at the time of closing. The Israeli firm indicated that this acquisition will facilitate faster identification of vulnerabilities and exploits in mobile devices. Cellebrite's expertise primarily involves leveraging undisclosed vulnerabilities, including zero-day exploits, to access encrypted data on smartphones. Meanwhile, Corellium is known for providing clients with virtual, cloud-based Android and iOS environments designed for app and security testing—a service that faced legal challenges from Apple previously. A spokesperson for Cellebrite confirmed to TechCrunch that the acquisition is anticipated to finalize later this year, pending oversight by CFIUS, the U.S. committee responsible for evaluating corporate transactions that may impact national security.