The term “
Jailbreaking” has been used so often and for so many purposes that most people are confused about the whole idea behind this activity for your iOS devices. However, jailbreaking need not be tricky, here are some of the questions which most newcomers may have when attempting to jailbreak their first iOS device.
Q: What exactly is jailbreaking?
A: Jailbreaking is a process used to break the restrictions imposed on your iPhones in order to maximize the potential of your device. An untethered jailbreak lasts as long as your phone is not upgraded or restored, while a tethered jailbreak vanished everytime you reset your device. An iPhone running a tethered jailbreak needs to be connected (tethered) to your computer to reinitiate the jailbreaking process. (Hence the name!)
Q: Why is jailbreaking neccesary?
A: Jailbreaking is necessary if you would want to try and explore exciting new applications, themes, tweaks and modifications. Such new programs may not have been approved in the AppStore, or is simply against the policy of the AppStore. This could be to preserve the constant look throughout iOS devices, to block features which the manufacturer would want to add himself in the future, or simply because the software developer does not want to go through the hassle of listing on the AppStore.
Q: What are the risks of jailbreaking?
A: Virtually none! Jailbreaking is easily reversible at any time. Simply pop your device into your machine and you can restore the device back to its factory settings in minutes. But remember to note that Apple does not officially support jailbroken devices. If you are sending your device in for warranty purposes, they have the right not to service it with no additional charge. Not to worry though, as mentioned before, restoring your device with iTunes will remove all traces of the jailbreaking.
Q: Is jailbreaking legal?
A: Yes! The US Copyright Office has ruled that jailbreaking iOS devices are in fact legal.
Q: What devices can I jailbreak?
A: You can jailbreak literally any Apple device running iOS, although this may be done with different methods. Examples of iOS products includes iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads (both the first and second generation models) Additionally, most of the times you should be able to jailbreak your device with either a Macintosh computer or a Windows PC.
Q: How do I make the most use of my jailbroken device?
A: Using the software repository on your jailbroken device, known as Cydia, you can browse through hundreds of tweaks, programs and games available for instant download. Most of the stuff on Cydia are free, so it is important to keep an open mind and try out as many items as possible. Who knows, you could randomly stumble upon a piece of software which is perfect for your lifestyle! I know I did when I found MxTube, a brilliant piece of software available on Cydia which lets me download YouTube movies instead of streaming them.
Now that you’ve got the basics nail down, why not try jailbreaking your iPhone today!
