Jailbreaking: What is it?

Just a short time ago it was announced that a jailbreak for Apple's iOS 6.1 is coming soon. While the details on said jailbreak are few we do know that it will be compatible with devices running A5 chip software (iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad 3, iPad Mini, etc). However for many newcomers to the Apple game there are still a lot of questions surrounding the pending jailbreak. What is a jailbreak? How does one acquire this? Is it free? What can I do with jailbroken devices? Although ACN surely cannot answer all of your questions we hope to tackle some of the most obvious ones. Let's begin with What is a jailbreak? 

Jailbreaking a phone on the iOS system is the process of removing limitations that Apple places on it's devices running the iOS operating system. This is done through the use of hardware and software exploits. Many of the devices that can be jailbroken are the iPhone, the iPod Touch, iPad and the second generation Apple TV. Jailbreaking permits root access to the iOS system, or access to the coding, and allows the download of additional applications, extensions and themes that are unavailable on the official Apple App Store. Consider it as breaking the device out of it's "jail."A jailbroken device can still run all the standard Apple apps as well as standard functions. 

One of the main reasons for jailbreaking is to expand the feature set limited by Apple and its App Store. Apple doesn't allow just anyone to create an app and checks them through it's iOS developer platform comparing  it against it's iOS Developer Program License Agreement. Jailbreaking permits downloads of programs not approved by Apple. Many users install the programs found on the alternate app store called "Cydia" for the purpose of phone customization and personalization of the interface. Also users may add desired features and fix annoyances with the operating system. 

Jailbreaking also opens a gate of sorts for users to unlock their phone and utilize the device on a different cellular network such as MetroPCS, T-Mobile, VirginMobile, etc all without the express approval of the major carrier the phone was purchased from. 

Legally there are no problems to jailbreaking your phone. Apple advises against it and they warn that it could violate your warranty you may have purchased with your phone. In court cases past the right of the users to manipulate their phone via jailbreak procedures has been affirmed. However as of 1/27/13 the act of unlocking your phone is technically illegal. ACN has previously published an article under that topic. 

What are the risks to jailbreaking? 

• The security risks of jailbreaking are substantial. Within the standard iOS system you are essentially protected within a guarantee by Apple that none of your sensitive data (Social Security, Credit/Debit Numbers, Address, etc) will ever be stolen when entered through an iOS native application or feature. In the jailbroken world you're entering just that: a world of possibility. While it's been rare to have a person's information stolen via an app on the marketplace Cydia it is possible that your phone could be subject to remote attacks such as from a virus or malware. Never  forget that the definition of Jailbreaking is exploiting the software your device has, that alone should caution you when entering your sensitive information on your phone. 
• If something goes wrong, you void your Apple warranty. If your device is acting up and you take it to the Apple store for tech assistance they typically will help solve the problem on the spot free of charge or for a small service charge. However if you take your jailbroken phone to them and it's acting up they will turn you away because you are not covered by their protection. That said, all you have to do to restore your device is simply connect to the computer you back up on normally and go through a restore option via Apple iTunes. 
• When it comes to updating your software you're stuck. Jailbreaking a phone is a sensitive thing It's easily patched by Apple once they realize the security flaws that allowed the jailbreak developers to enter the coding. So while you may jailbreak your phone on iOS 6.1, if Apple releases iOS 6.1.1 in a week you will have to decide to a) upgrade to the latest iOS and lose your jailbreak forever or b)continue with the old iOS and risk losing out on some of the updates that Apple provides. Until the last few years if you didn't like not having a jailbroken phone on the new OS you could simply revert back to an older version then jailbreak. Apple has since fixed that problem by disallowing any reverse OS updates. 

This has been a continuation on our series: Jailbreaking. In future segments we will discuss how one acquires this? Is it free? What can you do with jailbroken devices? As more questions and concerns arise we will likewise provide answers to them in an appropriate manner. Please feel free to comment with your thoughts and/or questions concerning Jailbreaking.