What is jailbreaking iPhone?
Jailbreaking is the process of removing limitations on iOS,
Apple's operating system on devices running it through the use of software and
hardware exploits; such devices include the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and
second-generation Apple TV. Jailbreaking permits root access to the iOS file
system and manager, allowing the download of additional applications,
extensions, and themes that are unavailable through the official Apple App
Store.
In essence, jailbreaking your iPhone means freeing it from
the limitations imposed on it by your carrier, whether that's AT&T or
Verizon, and Apple. You install a software application on your computer, and
then transfer it to your iPhone, where it "breaks open" the iPhone’s
file system to allow you to modify it.
Why would I want to jailbreak my iPhone?
It lets you do everything from customizing the look of your
iPhone to installing third-party applications (such as titles that are not
authorized and available in the App Store) and customized ringtones on it.
Depending on how far you're willing to go, you can do even more than that:
Jailbreaking even lets you to unlock your phone so you can use it with a
carrier other than the one from which you purchased it.Why wouldn't I want to jailbreak my iPhone?
Once you do it, you're on your own. You may have voided your
warranty, so you can't rely on AT&T, Verizon, or Apple to fix any problems
you encounter. All of the applications that jailbreak your phone are
unauthorized and could damage or completely disable your iPhone. Your slick
smartphone could end up as nothing more than a very expensive paperweight.Can I fix my iPhone if something goes wrong?
Maybe. Some users have reported that they were able to
connect a malfunctioning iPhone to iTunes and restore it to its original
settings, which resolved the problem. Not all users have had this experience,
though, and you certainly can't count on AT&T, Verizon, or Apple to provide
you with tech support once you've taken this unauthorized step.
Apple likely frowns on the practice of jailbreaking for
obvious business-related reasons, however, the practice of jailbreaking appears
to have gotten some legal support from the United States Copyright Office.
So the big question remains, is jailbreaking worth it? Find
the answer in my next article about the benefits and consequences about
jailbreaking.
Sources:
Sources:
- http://cellphones.about.com/od/glossary/f/jailbreak_faq.htm
- http://netsecurity.about.com/od/iphoneipodtouchapps/a/Is-Jailbreaking-Your-iPhone-Safe.htm
- http://www.appleiphoneschool.com/what-is-jailbreaking/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_jailbreaking
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