What are the differences between soft-mod, hard-mod, and hardware spoofing?

I. Starting with Device Modification (Root / Jailbreak)

In the early days, the most direct way to spoof in Pokémon GO was to modify your device:

On Android, this was called Rooting.
On iOS, it was Jailbreaking.

This unlocked system-level permissions, allowing you to install modified apps or directly alter GPS location data.

Pros: Very flexible, could achieve nearly any function (teleportation, joystick, virtual Go Plus, automation, etc.).
Cons: Extremely risky—system stability decreased, security protections were bypassed, and accounts were much more likely to be detected by Niantic.

II. Software-based Spoofing

Later, “software-based spoofers” appeared that did not require rooting or jailbreaking. Examples include iPogo and PGSharp, which simulate location through modified apps or virtual location APIs.

These tools provide features similar to rooted devices and are relatively easier to install.
However, most require sideloading (AltStore, Sideloadly) or paid signing certificates. The problem is that certificates regularly expire, causing apps to stop working until re-signed.

Technically, they still modify the game or system behavior, so long-term use remains risky for detection.

III. Hardware-based Spoofing

Hardware spoofers (e.g., iTools BT, Armate, FlyMon) take a completely different approach.
They don’t directly alter the game or phone system. Instead, they send GPS signals to the phone via Bluetooth or USB, making the phone and Pokémon GO simply “receive” the location as if from a normal GPS module.

Because no game files or OS cores are modified, security and stability are much higher.
They are not affected by certificate expiration issues.
Much more suitable for long-term use.

IV. Mixed Use and Risks

Some players combine hardware spoofers with software spoofers, or use modified apps alongside hardware for more features.

While this may seem powerful in the short term, as soon as one tool is detected, the entire account can be compromised due to the high-risk component.

V. FlyMon

FlyMon adopts the hardware-based spoofing structure and combines:

Location modification, joystick walking, and teleportation
Auto-catching and auto PokéStop spinning (Catchmon-level features)
Cooldown timer (precisely calculates safe wait times)
Auto-reconnect (restores connection automatically after disconnection)