Definition
Jailbreaking refers to removing the iPhone’s limited mode, allowing users to modify the system and install third-party apps on their devices. Although jailbreaking isn’t illegal, Apple adamantly opposes it and will likely void the phone’s warranty.
Advantages of Jailbreaking
- You don’t need Apple’s approval for new software and apps, as you can install them on your own.
- Jailbreaking allows you to change the default browser or add more icons on the home screen. If you are tech-savvy you can fix annoying bugs with jailbreaking.
Disadvantages of jailbreaking
- Increased risk of downloading malware instead of the intended app.
- You will pay for repairs, even if your device is technically still under warranty.
- Your system can malfunction easily, resulting in bugs, constant battery drain, and crashes.
Types of Jailbreaking
- Tethered jailbreaking: While they are challenging for Apple to patch, tethered jailbreaks are less common than untethered jailbroken because of their limitations. For example, you must connect the iOS device to a computer to boot it.
- Untethered jailbreaking: Although untethered iOS devices must connect to a computer for patches or jailbreaks, they can reboot without necessarily connecting to a computer.
- Semi-tethered jailbreaking: These need computers to activate a modified code or jailbreak, but you can still restart your semi-tethered iPhone without a computer. However, you won’t be able to access jailbreak features.
- Semi-untethered jailbreaking: Like an untethered jailbreak, you can reboot your iPhone without a computer. However, you must repeat the jailbreak through the software on the iPhone after a restart.
Is jailbreaking Legal?
Jailbreaking phones have been legal in the US since 2010 while jailbreaking smartwatches and tablets have been lawful since 2015. These devices are exempted from the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) list. This was dues to the efforts of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which argued that many users, programmers, and enthusiasts need to modify a device to run independent software.
Moreover, jailbreaking is legal in most European countries as well as New Zealand and India. However, digital rights laws are always progressing, so you should check your local laws.
Although jailbreaking an iPhone does not break US federal laws, it violates Apple’s terms of use. This means you can void your warranty.
Can You Tell If a Phone Has Been Jailbroken?
Yes, a few methods exist to examine if your device has been jailbroken. However, Apple removed the simplest and quickest technique.
In 2016, an application known as ‘System and Security Info iOS’ was released and ratified for the App Store. The premium app conducted a simple scan and notified you if your device was jailbroken. However, after short success in the US and Europe, Apple removed the app for compliance reasons. This is just one example. Generally, Apple bans any app with jailbreaking tests from the Apps Store.
Here are some steps you may take to find out if your device is jailbroken:
- Search for Cydia: Look for Cydia on your iPhone, the alternative app store. If Cydia is present on your phone, it is jailbroken.
- Restore factory settings: You can restore your phone to factory settings if you don’t want to worry about your device being jailbroken. This brings back everything that may have been lost to jailbreaking.
